I don't think it was us Carolly, i can't think of a military uniform we have that uses them, RAF and RN use bands on the arms or Shldrs and army use Pips and crowns with the odd sword thrown in when you get to General....if you read "The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown." i think it mentions it in there, something to do with nature worship maybe? been a while since i read it :o)........On the subject of other figures, i promise i'll try to vary things but as i'm sure you can guess its become a nightmare LOL......Steve