RMLI Provost

[Ray6930]

Does anyone know if the White Metal RMLI Provost badge ever actually existed?

Have seen many of these in white metal but generally they have been very thin, almost tin like. This one is as thick if not thicker than RM Police and KC cap badges. It does however look pristine for a 100 year old badge - if it did actually exist.

Normally referred to as a RMLI badge in white metal but have seen two references as RMLI Provost badge, however they were both when badges were advertised for sale.

It would perhaps make sense as an inspiration for the later RMP white metal badges but I have severe doubts, especially as I cannot find any mention in John's book

Ray

[Alex Rice]

Hi Ray
I have very limited knowledge of RM badges, most from this forum so my opinion is purely 'opinion'. I don't like that badge at all. The detail is terrible, the join between the bugle and the globe is horrible compared to a genuine RMLI badge, and it is so light that the stamping has left a hole in the globe by the look of it. Either a bad fake or a fantasy badge IMHO.
Cheers,
Alex

[Ray6930]

Evening Alex
It isn't a hole but a sharp shadow. The badge isn't light or thin but I take your point on the join of the horn.
The inside of the globe is stamped with clear detail but there is a silvery overlay in there, as if poorly administered coating and in fact it is that causing the shadow that looks like a hole
I don't think it is an original badge even though a lot better than the tinny ones I have seen.
I am still interested to know if the badge ever existed though if there is a definitive answer out there
Ray

[1664]

Hi Ray,
These are fakes.
RMP badges as you know where white metal but RM provost cap badges just don't exist - RM provosts wore wristlets and armbands. I had thought that these were in the book but skimming it quickly can't find them and fear they may have been missed out.

I'm back home in a couple of weeks and will try and dig out the images that show the variety of wristlets they wore,

Yours
John

[Alex Rice]

Hi Ray
Sorry, I could have sworn it was a hole. I suppose some of the detail has also been lost from reflection with the photograph, but still don't like it.
Looks like John might have a definitive answer though, anyway.
Cheers,
Alex

[Alan O]

I fear that this is a fantasy design. RM collar badges in w/m were worn by the Dockyard Police (who recruited time-served Marines).