Just wondering if anyone here can help me with some information? About twenty years ago, some friends of ours visited with family in Sweden. When they returned, I was given some emblems. As these friends told me, these badges were worn on train crew uniforms. But they couldn't tell me what they signified. Anyone know of a way that I could learn more? Boxcab E50
The only thing I can think if is to contact Helge in Sweden. He is a Trainboard member. Maybe he can find out for you
Hi there, I got a mail from dick to waken me up That emblem you mentioned, was it realy a badge like the one with some name or text, or was it an emblem consisting of a wheel with two wings upon? Maybe you can describe it for me so that I can figure it out.
Helge- Here is a photo showing both items. It's simply a matter of my curiousity getting the best of me. Have placed a ruler in the photo to indicate size. I'm guessing that the badge at left is worn on the breast or front pocket of a uniform jacket? The other appears to be for a hat/cap? These came to me during the early to mid-1980's. I'm trying to make out the town name on the envelope. Looks to be "Ange." Boxcab E50
You figured it out correct. The left item was placed on the uniform jacket, and the big one was sewed on the fron of a uniform hat. The symbol with the wheel and wings I believ it has been used since the midle of the 19th century. Ange or spelled in swedish Ånge was a big crosspoint in Northern Sweden were North and South bound interchanged with a line going from West inland to the East coast. Those lines started to be built about 1875, and they been electrified about 1935. One interesting site is at http://personal.inet.fi/private/raumarail/eurorail/sj.htm with some historical review. Some in english.
Helge- The cap badge appears to have been attached with a pair of small sharp tabs. They must have pierced the material, and then bent them over to lock the emblem on. One tab is unfortunately missing. Ange is shown on the envelope as a return address. So that must have been where their family was living at the time of the visit. I'm curious if you'd know- Were these badges worn by most everyone in a train crew? Or did they have a more specific assignment? Is there a significance to the three chevrons on the hat badge? Well, off to check out that site you listed! Many thanks for the help! Boxcab E50
Hi again, the wheel with the wings is a genaral symbol for the Swedish State Railroad (at that time). All employee has it on theirr jackets. The big badge for the hat, has different signs for different occupations. UI believe that this three chevrons is for the trainmaster that is responible for everything in he´s train. It´s more like signs in the military for different level in the organisation.
Helge- It's interesting that I was able to figure out the uses for these badges, and come fairly close in describing how they might be used. I guess that we can see through this, that railroading around the world may be different in many aspects. Yet it's also quite similar in a lot of ways. Thanks for all the help! Boxcab E50