Replica Australian University Regiment Bugel
"Australian Regiment Bugle from the Australian University" [WAUR]. It is important to know that virtually all of these specific brass bugles featuring the regiment emblem are unofficial replicas (counterfeits). Although they are offered as "original" on various militaria websites, the Australian military has officially confirmed that these instruments were never issued by them.
The Story Behind the "Fake" Bugle
The official Australian Defence establishment and the Australian War Memorial have uncovered the remarkable history behind these bugles:
- The Origin: In the 1980s, the commanding officer of the Western Australian University Regiment (WAUR) was dissatisfied with the plastic beret badges supplied by the army. He commissioned a company in Pakistan to cast 300 brass emblems.
- The Replica Production: The mold for this emblem was subsequently left behind overseas. Local manufacturers then began soldering these badges onto reproduction bugles on a large scale, marketing them to tourists and collectors as "historical military collectibles".
- Worldwide Distribution: These specific WAUR bugles have been popping up for decades at flea markets, antique shops, and auction websites all over the world (including the Netherlands, Germany, the UK, and the US).
How Do You Recognize a Genuine Australian Military Bugle?
Authentic military bugles from the Australian army meet strict criteria:
- No Emblem on the Bell: Historically, the Australian military never soldered regiment or university emblems onto the bell of a bugle.
- Stamps: Original military bugles are almost always deeply stamped with the manufacturer's name, the year of purchase, and the Broad Arrow (the War Department arrow mark).
- Cord Color: Replicas often feature bright, shiny nylon cords (such as red and gold). Original Australian field cords were typically solid green.
Despite not being genuine war relics, the Australian regiment now considers this 'mystery' to be a unique part of their own folklore and tradition.
