RHF Piper's Badge

[Alex Rice]

Hi All
I picked up this RHF piper's badge recently. Any opinions of the originality?
Thanks in advance, cheers,
Alex

[Alex Rice]

Here are the pics...

[Neil M.ex14/20H.MAN A.C.F]

Hi Alex
It seems fine to me.You have done very well to get a staybright one.Every one that I have ever come across including the one in my own collection have been white metal.
Regards
Neil

[fougasse1940]

For what it's worth, your badge isn't featured nor mentioned in Chris Marsh's Anodised Aluminium book.

Rgds, Thomas.

[Alex Rice]

Thanks for the replies. Maybe Chris will comment if he sees this.
Cheers,
Alex

[hagwalther]

Originally Posted by Alex Rice

Hi All
I picked up this RHF piper's badge recently. Any opinions of the originality?
Thanks in advance, cheers,
Alex

Hi Alex,

Not seen one of these or found any information on it when I collated information for my book but I have to admit that it does look good to me.

From what I can tell the sheet aluminium used is quite thick compared with that used on modern repros of HLI badges which is a good sign. Can you measure the thickness of the metal with some calibers - possibly around 65 thou perhaps?

The lugs remind me of those used by Gaunt but I really would need to see an image of one up close together with its 'feet' or not if there are none.

If it is good then it is probably the first one known to exist!

Regards,

Chris

[bess55]

Gents,
these do turn up anodised from time to time - although generally found in white metal. The one pictured is identical to mine, thick gauge and the lugs do indeed appear to be Gaunt type.

I have no information or NSN references for this badge - which reflects the imagery from its amalgamated regiments with the grenade from the Royal Scots Fusiliers and the star and St Andrews cross from the Highland Light Infantry, retaining the 'HLI' monogram. No particular reason to suspect it isn't correct.

Some research will identify if this badge is attributed to the RHF (1959 - 2006) or nowadays if carried on, worn as part of 2nd Bn Royal Regiment of Scotland.

All the best gents

Bess

[Alex Rice]

Here is a semi-close up of the lugs, difficult to get good focus. The thickness is 2.3mm at the edges of the saltire on the badge, if that is any help. It seems nice and solid.
Cheers,
Alex

[bess55]

Hi Alex,
its the same as mine. I cant really add any more about this badge unfortunately. I'm sure its fine, but couldn't say for sure. The only slightly worrying thing is that they do tend to turn up in almost perfect condition.

The museum may be able to assist with any provenance questions for the anodised example.

All the best

Bess

[Alex Rice]

Thanks Bess

[William]

Nice badge and congratulations on a good find.

Perhaps not so rare, though? Quite a few have been seen over many years. Got mine in abt 1995-ish or maybe even before that.

Thanks for posting and bringing this to light and for the good info and images.

Cheers

[hagwalther]

Originally Posted by Alex Rice

Here is a semi-close up of the lugs, difficult to get good focus. The thickness is 2.3mm at the edges of the saltire on the badge, if that is any help. It seems nice and solid.
Cheers,
Alex

Hi Alex,

Thanks for the images.

From what I can see in the images the lugs seem to be round on the outside but flat inside with 'sweeping' feet. I have identified this design in my book on page 85 as type 2.3 Wire (Type C). This type of lug has also been found on Smith & Wright badges.

Other lugs with sweeping feet have been found on TKS badges and on unofficial commissions. However, these lugs are totally round inside and out.

My gut feeling is that the badge is early Smith & Wright.

Regards,

Chris

[Alex Rice]

Thanks for the info Chris.
Cheers,
Alex