Volunteer badge 1914
 

Hi,

This is not mine (yet) so just looking for opinions. I have not seen one like it before, and it does not appear to be official, as it is not in any books or dealer sites I have seen. Does anyone have an idea about it? Any info would be appreciated. It appears to be maker marked "J.A. RESTALL" who were from Birmingham, I think?

Cheers, Tim

Tim,

In the absence of other replies, I like the badge and would have it in my collection.

Peter

Very nice badge indeed. I wonder if it might be a Veteran's badge??? Not seen that badge before and it is in beautiful condition.
PS: I have just found a 1914 version and a 1915 version on QMS Militaria! (Shows how observant I am!! Lol)

For various reasons not everyone who volunteered in WW1 was accepted for service, I wonder if this could be a mufti badge that could be worn to avoid the "white feather" scenario ?

P.B.

An earlier advertisement from J.A. Restall:

http://www.925-1000.com/td/f/Birming...stall-1898.jpg
J.A. Restall - Birmingham - 1898

Trev.

Hi All,

sorry for no sooner reply, I've been without internet for 3 days.

Thanks Peter for the thoughts, I think you're on to something, the Australian's had badges given to volunteers who were not accepted for various reasons, so it makes sense rejected volunteers in Britain wanted to have something to show in a time where munitions workers were very keen to be badged and thus avoid any unpleasantness.

CharlieDog, I looked through Mike's site before posting, so I am in the same boat!

And thanks Trev for the info on the maker.

Cheers, Tim

A lovely badge. I know Gordon Williamson, aka ever redcap has published on the subject of great war home front badges.

A good thread here on such badges.

http://www.historicalwarmilitariafor...-front-badges/

Thanks Jerry, I'll have a look at that. Is that the same GW of Iron Cross fame?

And: Thanks to the people here who helped with this. I ended up getting it, and at a great price. Your comments and input were much appreciated.

Cheers, Tim

Tim, I think it is, he is a former RMP and prolific author, penned some of the shire books as well I believe.

Thanks Jerry,

He is quite the talented man

Cheers, Tim

Hi all

I think that I have one of these too, although it may have a slight chip to the edge.
I've also got a rather large badge that features an enamelled Union Jack and the text "RECRUITING" in blue enamel-filled letters. It may also be dated "1915" but I would have to check.
Has lugs that you would find on a cap badge but it must have made quite a "statement" when it was worn.
Photos if anyone wants to see it!

Hey, thanks for that, love to see some pics, thanks!

Cheers, tim

Hi all

Further to my post of yesterday, here are some of the recruiting badges I have.
Anyone know what "Area 22" is? Obviously too early for Area 51...

excellent set of badges. Is the 1914 one marked on the reverse? As for area 22, I can only assume the Army had recruiting areas (I think they still do?) maybe for Battalion reasons, (i.e. each battalion had a defined area to recruit), maybe just to keep records of who came from where. Regardless, a great set of badges.

Thanks for showing

Cheers, Tim

I agree with Chipper. Some very nice and very difficult to find badges you have there. Many thanks for posting.