This may be a question that has been answered previously, or I may just be unaware of the answer.
When Collar Badges are described as 'facing right' or 'facing left', from which point of view is that made ?
With a matched pair, yes, I know they face inwards on the lapels.
With such as a Glamorgan dragon, is 'facing right' as seen by the viewer, or by the wearer?
As a viewer, I look at a dragon which is facing to its right. When that is put on a collar/lapel it goes on the wearer's right collar, & from the wearer's point of view it then faces inwards to the wearer's left.
So again, my question is - is that 'facing right', as seen, or 'facing (wearer's) left' ?
Is there a convention adhered to when advertising such items?
Thanks for any answers which may be forthcoming.
John L-M, in Leeds
(our collars were the same - other than Officers' owls)
John,
Here in Cleveland we have collar dogs that also have fire breathing dragons. The simple answer is that the both dragons are breathing fire inwards towards the officers throat. Hope this helps?
Regarding the above, I spoke with a friend yesterday, who is a dealer in amongst other things, militaria.
He is of the opinion that the answer is "as seen by the wearer". Therefore, an inward-facing dragon, on the wearer's RIGHT-hand lapel should be described as "facing left" as it faces inwards, to the WEARER'S LEFT. Would other Meembers think that this is the correct description ?
Thanks again - JL-M
Regarding the above, I spoke with a friend yesterday, who is a dealer in amongst other things, militaria.
He is of the opinion that the answer is "as seen by the wearer". Therefore, an inward-facing dragon, on the wearer's RIGHT-hand lapel should be described as "facing left" as it faces inwards, to the WEARER'S LEFT. Would other Members think that this is the correct description ?
Thanks again - JL-M
Hi John, I entirely agree. Kent County Constabulary 'horse' collar badges were originally worn on high neck tunics with the horses facing inwards. When open neck tunics were introduced they moved onto the shoulder epaulettes, with the horses facing forwards(As the instructor said, if they were put on the wrong way round and the horse decided to defecate (only he used another word...), we did not want it to do so down the shirt front!!) When they later moved to the tunic lapels, they once again faced inwards, and are to this day worn there by the renamed force Kent Police. Regards Sean
