Chilean Special Forces Beret

Highly collectible example of Chilean Special Forces headgear, this black beret features the first variant of the Special Forces insignia issued in 1979, an important milestone in the visual identity of Chile’s elite units.

The badge was designed by Lieutenant Colonel Hernán Saldes, whose work established the distinctive emblem that would come to symbolize the professionalism and operational capability of Chilean Special Forces. Early examples bearing this first-pattern insignia are particularly sought after by collectors due to their historical significance and limited early distribution.

The black beret itself represents the traditional headgear associated with Chilean commandos and Special Forces units, making this piece a strong representation of the formative period of modern Chilean special operations symbolism.

Ideal for collectors focused on:

• Chilean Special Forces militaria

• Commando and elite units insignia

• Cold War era Chilean Army equipment

• Military berets and headgear collecting

• Rare Latin American special operations memorabilia

A scarce opportunity to acquire a 1979 first-pattern Special Forces beret, a historically significant piece tied directly to the early development of Chile’s Cold War elite forces identity.