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The Auxiliary Blue Blazer outfit may be substituted for most Auxiliary uniforms, for social events, including conference banquets. The Blue Blazer may be single-breasted, dark blue flannel, tropical worsted, or similar blend; two- or three-button, with civilian or Auxiliary buttons, and with pockets. A component unique to the outfit is the Auxiliary Patch, also known as the Auxiliary blazer badge.
It is extremely difficult to attempt to trace an exact history of the blazer badge because there are a number of origins from which the modern blazer, and the blazer badges that adorn them, descend. The first incarnation of the blazer began life as a rowing jacket in the early 1800’s, worn by members of the rowing club of St John’s College, Cambridge. The club jackets were termed blazers because of the bright red cloth which were said to have created a “blaze” of color when worn by the rowers. Another theory places the origins of the blazer to the Captain of HMS Blazer who, in 1837, dressed his crew in dark blue double-breasted jackets adorned with brass buttons, in an effort to impress the visiting Queen Victoria. The attire met with the royal approval, and this style of jacket soon spread to other ships. This, today, is known commonly as the navy blazer. The opportunity to provide the wearer individual expression and individuality comes in the form of the blazer badge. Traditionally worn to denote membership or affiliation to a particular group or organization, but not exclusively for this purpose, the blazer badge adorns the out-breast pocket, adding a certain level of character to the garment.
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The earliest example of the Auxiliary Blazer Badge.
There is very little documentation available on the subject but research indicates the first Auxiliary blazer badge was a hand embroidered gold & silver bullion wire circle and Auxiliary shield centered on a black background.
210216-G-WV696-057
Auxiliary Blazer Badge beginning around 1966.
By 1966 the Auxiliary blazer badge design changed to the silver “shield and crossed anchors” circled insignia of silver wire bullion on a black background. This version of the blazer patch began incorporating clutch back pins, which allows the patch to be removed or reapplied to a different jacket.
210216-G-WV696-059
Alternative Auxiliary Blazer Badge design offered around 1975
An alternative design was offered around 1975 of the silver eagle and crossed anchors emblem with a centered blue and gold shield, embroidered in colored metallic threads on black backing.
210216-G-WV696-060
Original bullion version of the current Auxiliary Blazer Badge design.
Noted to be issued in the early 1970's, the current official blazer patch is round and contains a wire bullion Auxiliary logo with stars around it on a black felt backing with clutch back pins. The latest representation is the same design, but made with silver metallic thread.
All Auxiliary blazer patches are officially designed and approved by the National Board and offered through the Auxiliary Center (AUXCEN).
PHOTO CAPTIONS: (All photographs of items from the COMO Joseph Giannattasio collection.)
210216-G-WV696-056
The earliest example of the Auxiliary Blazer Badge.
210216-G-WV696-057
Auxiliary Blazer Badge beginning around 1966.
210216-G-WV696-059
Alternative Auxiliary Blazer Badge design offered around 1975
210216-G-WV696-060
Original bullion version of the current Auxiliary Blazer Badge design.
