Munition Workers Canteen badges
 

Can anyone shed any light on this badge, their title and the cypher of Princess Louise clearly suggesting WWI.

They have not been tested but have the appearance of gold.

All thoughts welcome.

Jon

Viewed 95 times and no comments? Must be rare or unknown.

Jon

At a guess I'd say from the looks and quality it's something knocked up at one of the munitions factories for their own staff rather than an official item for all.
Just my opinion though.

Each munitions factory had a munitions workers canteen. It's a matter of identifying the location of this one (the Princess Louise cypher will be key I suspect). Here is another badge (note the explanation): https://www.flickr.com/photos/23885771@N03/6996356457

For those interested in further reading see here: http://preserve.lehigh.edu/cgi/viewc...56&context=etd

Because the munition workers themselves were issued with lapel badges recognising their important work it was natural that those who worked in their canteens wanted a badge too. There is a good image showing the size of these canteens here: http://www.documentingdissent.org.uk...and-morecambe/

Hi all

As someone with an interest in jewellery, I'd pretty much guarantee that this IS gold with a plating of a much higher carat over it.

It also has a slightly "basic" appearance (i.e. not made by a professional badge maker) so could have been made in the factory. Could even be a cast one and if it's small in size, was possibly made to recognise "service" post-war.

The pin back fitting suggests wear by a woman.

Hi

Have found that I have more than a couple of Munitions Canteen badges (enamel and celluloid) in my collection so will post photos next week if there is the interest.

Also bought an old nickel silver spoon some time ago (along with a badge) that is stamped "MUNITIONS". Possibly use this to dish out the cat's food these days.....

This extra effort is possibly lost on the cat!

It will be good to see examples from your collection.

Update
 

One of these badges just sold on eBay for £50.00 (too much for me !). :(

While doing a bit of research I spotted one made by "Thomas Fattorini, Bolton" on Sally Bosley's site , description included :

"Lady Lawrence established the 'Munition Makers Canteen' Committee in 1915. The scheme was to improve munition workers efficiency, by providing an alcohol-free canteen open both day and night. Initially they were run by voluntary workers but due to the difficulty in finding sufficient volunteer workers for the night shifts it was decided to run the canteens with paid staff."


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