Sheet Brass & Wire Loops
 

Greetings Chaps,

May I pose a general question regarding those badge locally made (in South Africa) during the Anglo Boer War (three examples shown).

Such badges are often (but not always) cut from sheet brass and have wire loops - has anyone seen these characteristics on other badges or do you think it would be reasonable to presume that if a badge has both of these details then it originates in South Africa and from the Boer War period?

Cheers,

Roy

Hey Roy
Recently saw a ww1 New Zealand reinforcements badge In the same style.
I also thought ni many ww1 Sth African titles are also similar but will let the SA collectors confirm this.
Bc

Hi BC,

Thanks for that. I'm sure it's really not this simple as collecting never is, but wanted to pose the question anyway - as they say there is no harm in asking.

Cheerio,

Roy

Hi Roy, these type of badges are also found for South African WW1 units. Some of these have been faked. A dead give away on the fakes is that sheet brass is in metric thicknesses and not imperial thicknesses. They are also found in sheet silver from the Boer War. Not only for officers. Sheet silver was commonly used in the Eastern Cape. Hope this helps. Regards Andrew

Hi Andrew,

Some interesting information there, thank you.

As I suspected; never a simple answer but good to hear from other collectors, their views and experience. It all helps to have a more broader perspective on such details.

Cheers,

Roy

Also, commonly used as form of fastener on the East and Central African side of the continent during the later part of the 19th Century and early 20th Century.

Zob.