British Army Badge Collection

**brickie501** · 08-14-2019, 08:48 PM

Hi all, I have just decided to add to my collection of British Army 'Cap' & other badges.

Now, I have previously only collected more modern badges that I know are genuine, because I was issued with them Service!

However, I want to add a few specific examples relating to wartime regiments etc of interest to me ... so I've been hitting eBay.

I know there a lot 'restrikes' or even downright forgeries out there but, for what I paid, I am pretty happy even if none of these first arrivals turn out to be genuine; they were cheap, yet nice enough to add to a display!

However, I would be really interested in more expert opinions on their authenticity, plus wider advice on what to look for ... or avoid ... on stuff of the WW1 to WW2 era!

NB In each case, these pictures show the front & the reverse of each pair with the individual badges in the same relative positions.

First up, two Royal Flying Corps cap badges:

Next, two Reconnaissance Corps cap badges:

**Jerry B** · 08-14-2019, 09:39 PM

I never collected /RFC so can't comment, the bottom Recon looks probably ok, the top not so, the shaft of the spear should be the same thickness above and below of the scroll.

I have found that for each badge you want to collect, you need to research them on a badge by badge basis, study good examples on reputable dealers sites of forums that specialise in the subject, it is not a case of learning universally applicable guide lines. somethings such as the lugs is a good indicator, some badges have original flaws, some fakes have different flaws.

sorry, it is not a quick study, but pick a badge you want and study it, get a good one then pick your next badge.

**Rick W** · 08-15-2019, 04:19 AM

Is a good topic , and a minefield of if's or buts with the RFC badges .
I'll throw in my 2 cents worth , whether right or wrong , based on what I have had in the past.
1 - Never buy anything that's shiny & new looking
2 - Never buy one that has a bridge above the F between the crown ( See Pics )

Attachment 1331112

Attachment 1331113

3- Remember copies of these have been around since the 70's in greater numbers than the caps themselves

4 - Given over the time period they take on a life on their own with ageing - Don't confused Brasso residue for patina.

5- Avoid buying anything promoted in the selling heading listing that says its as 100% original / authentic

6- WW2 style pins for the lugs as in the photo are dime a dozen cheap , WW1 types are thicker , smaller head and generally have wear marks.

Just my thoughts on them , Despite the poor photo's If i was a betting man , i'd pick the top RFC badge as a better chance of being Pukka Gen between the two.

I like the shape better and the slightly offset lugs I have had in past years on other non cleaned up worn examples.

I wish people would not clean badges to make them pretty

**brickie501** · 08-15-2019, 07:40 AM

by Rick W

…
6- WW2 style pins for the lugs as in the photo are dime a dozen cheap , WW1 types are thicker , smaller head and generally have wear marks.

Just my thoughts on them , Despite the poor photo's If i was a betting man , i'd pick the top RFC badge as a better chance of being Pukka Gen between the two.

I like the shape better and the slightly offset lugs I have had in past years on other non cleaned up worn examples.

...

Thanks Rick, (& Jerry)

Yeah, sorry about the picture quality on mine - I tried to get more light on them but don't have any proper equipment … & just phone cam!

I can't see your pictures for some reason but I was able to do a bit of research on RFC badges before buying & I think I know what you mean.

For your point 6 above, can I check whose pictures you mean, yours or mine? I did notice a variation in my RFC ones ... but it was that the lower one in photo has one lug (a replacement?) that is made of material that is almost flat in section (rather than more of a 'half-round').

It doesn't come across well in the photo either but the lower RFC badge is slightly bent; something I, like many others, used to do to the larger capbadge I wore (Glosters - albeit usually to a Stabright) so that it sat better on the beret (at least to our minds)

Obviously that could easily be faked, to disguise other features/failings, & its presence here may make this being a fake more likely as this 'shaping' is possibly a modern 'affectation'(?) Alternatively, it might just explain the variation in profile.

Overall though, I'm happy as my average price paid was just over £9 a badge including P&P. The chance I've got a genuine one of each at that is even better

**brickie501** · 08-15-2019, 01:38 PM

By way of thanks (in advance too - any more thoughts are welcome) and/or for the interest of others, I thought I would upload pictures of some of the stuff that's come into my possession over the years...

My actual collection is mid-rearrangement now (I'll post up once sorted) so, for now, here are some of my 'surplus'. Much of it has already moved on via eBay so hopefully this does not constitute advertising … mostly modern as well, which I hope is not too unwelcome here either!

Various Royal Navy (well one!) & Army insignia / rank slides:

Various RAF insignia:

Collecting this stuff is great because, as I once read or heard somewhere, "British uniform, isn't"!

**brickie501** · 08-16-2019, 12:33 AM

Back to my original post query - I've realised the seller's pictures are probably better than mine! With a bit of trimming & manipulation to put both faces of each badge in a picture...

RFC:

Recce Corps

**Charlie Farley** · 08-16-2019, 03:58 AM

The BRB - Blue Red Blue patch I used to wear - Household Division Grenadier Guards)

**Rick W** · 08-16-2019, 07:44 AM

Overall though, I'm happy as my average price paid was just over £9 a badge including P&P. The chance I've got a genuine one of each at that is even better

Seeing the better focus photos's now Ive gone completely cold on both of them sorry mate.
I dunno why people don't tell the truth up front.
Instead of putting up dark out of focus photos 1st

Then: Better Pics and

"I bought these on eBay for $10 , are they real ? "

Would save wasting everyones time.

Cheers Rick

**brickie501** · 08-16-2019, 09:34 PM

by Rick W

Overall though, I'm happy as my average price paid was just over £9 a badge including P&P. The chance I've got a genuine one of each at that is even better

Seeing the better focus photos's now Ive gone completely cold on both of them sorry mate.
I dunno why people don't tell the truth up front.
Instead of putting up dark out of focus photos 1st

Then: Better Pics and

"I bought these on eBay for $10 , are they real ? "

Would save wasting everyones time.

Cheers Rick

Sorry Rick, Unfortunately the original pics looked OK on my phone - it certainly was never my intention to waste anyone's time!

I'd basically followed (ahead of receiving it) your advice about avoiding anything for sale with an insistence of "100% genuine" etc, so didn't really think of the price coming into originality - on basis I wasn't shopping with experts & they wouldn't necessarily price like one. I did actually hesitate to even mention it, but responses to other 'valuation' questions sometimes express concern that newbies like me have thrown away too much money … so I thought I'd come out & say it was 'pocket money', so I'd basically taken a punt (they'd been last minute spots so I didn't asking ahead of time)...

OK, maybe as result of a bit of cockiness that perhaps I'd got a genuine bargain too!

I'm genuinely grateful for the advice anyway...

**Rick W** · 08-17-2019, 04:01 AM

"OK, maybe as result of a bit of cockiness that perhaps I'd got a genuine bargain too!"
Sorry mate , didn't mean to offend at all , All I meant was if people put a post up , put it up the way it came to them.
Not having to work backwards to get to the truth makes things a lot easier for those trying to help you out.

PS Never buy anything on eBay that has a Green or Blue or Red felt background. Just a tip