Rising Sun Gaunt London Plate

[paj1]

Hi Guys
Picked this badge up a few weeks ago in a mixed lot of cap and collar
badges.
Its a bit rough around the edges but it does have a Gaunt London plate
on it
Can anyone tell me if this is ww1 vintage or pre ww1
opinions welcome
Julian

[kingsley]

Hi, this badge is a typical WW1 manufactured hat badge for Australian troops serving on the western front. There are a number of other British makers also, including Firmin, Narborough and others that at the moment escape me.
The very first ACMF badge (same as yours) was in fact made by Gaunt in 1903 in stg silver, bright gilt and silver/gilt/enamel. I assume the oxy one did not appear until WW1.

[paj1]

Thanks for reply
Can you tell me what you mean by " oxy"

[kingsley]

Oxy is an abbreviation for oxidised. Peacetime badges are polished bright or the RSM wih 'ave ya. Because bright badges make a nice target for the enemy, when war broke out in 1914 and 1939 badges were painted or chemically treated black or brown.
Even sleeve cloth patches were made in "subdued" finish (drab instead of bright colours) for service in Desert Storm, Iraq and Afghanistan.

[Lancer 17]

Just a note of caution, the Gaunt rising sun with the plate is not shown in Cossum. Whilst this may not be definative it is comprehensive. I have seen a Tiptaft rising sun on the forum with a plate and lugs where as all Tiptaft badges seen here in Aust have sliders.

I would suggest turning the Gaunt badge up side down and compare the shapes of the voids with another Gaunt badge with the name as part of the rear of the badge between the crown and the suns rays to the left of centre. this is the best way to check.

All makers badges have different shaped voids at the ends of the scrolls.

Regards

Phil.