Reclamation is a broad notion that rightly requires lengthy consideration, but suffice to say, there are a number of items on Lister's jacket that, at face value, are questionable in origin. I have mentioned, briefly in the past, the chilling Totenkopf emblems that reside at the tip of Lister's jacket collar, and I remain of two minds whether to ever pick up a pair. This item, however, evokes
slightly different topical connotations which, frankly, comes as something of a relief.
Albeit synonymous with German militaria, the iconographic origins of this stark Iron Cross pin stretch back centuries. In Red Dwarf, it can be found above the Matchless patch, on the screen-left lapel of Lister's long leather coat during Series V. It possibly carries over into Series VII, but I have yet to find it during the garment's third-and-only scene aboard the dimly-lit, Leviathan. Ironically, one of the jacket's aforementioned Totenkopf pins (possibly, the one that disappears from the jacket's screen-left collar after Series IV) appears to have been relocated to the opposing side of this coat.
Here we find another example of Lister sporting a symbol of antiquated authority. Whatever the character's intentions in peppering his clothing with such clashing identifiers, it could be argued that, in some respects, it seems only fitting that the last surviving human should carry with them a wide array of societal motifs, both progressive and regressive. Morality and honesty are key to Lister's disposition, so I would like to think that by merely appropriating these adornments, he is making a conscious statement that
he is what gives the items significance, not those who, in cases like this, weaponised them. In earlier series, despite a distinct lack of leathers, he also comes across as an enthusiastic (space-)biker, a fraternity where, I hear, this icon now more commonly presides.
This particular pin was sold as being "Vintage 80s" and it certainly appears to be screen-accurate with its concave nature, and aged patina. However, a lack of maker's mark, and being a fairly common design renders this one, Unconfirmed. The occasionally-trusty butterfly clutch is how this pin is fastened. Also, it may not appear so, but there certainly is a subtle difference between those two images above!
Dimensions are approximately 24mm across.
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