New Addition - Early CAF Badge

[Roy]

Hi Gents,

I'm not normally a collector of Air Force insignia but must confess there is one early badge I have wanted for some time. See attached a photograph of my latest addition - an early circa 1920's Canadian Air Force badge. I love the design of this badge it really captures the period and is beautifully made.

Now I'm no expert in this area and my research thus far has turned up little, so any additional information is greatly appreciated.

From what I understand 'Royal' was adopted in 1924 (?), so this CAF badge would (I presume) be earlier, 1920-24? Also from what I understand this very fragile design where the wings don't touch the crown was very short lived and was replaced by a stronger badge where the wings 'did' touch the crown.

This bade is white metal but the lettering is 'silvered' so I am assuming it is an officers badge.

I'm not 100% sure on any of the above info, so if you can advice I would be most grateful. Either way it really is a cracking badge and in grand condition.

Cheers, Roy.

[Roy]

Anyone seen one of these before, have one or know any details they can share?

From a little more research it appears that this is pre 1924 and is a 2nd type.

The badge appears white metal with silvered (CAF) lettering. This reminds me of many of the CEF officers badges from this period that have a silvered wash/overlay on raised letters, numbers or device.

Cheers, Roy.

[RCAF_Mike]

Roy, this is a White Metal Other Ranks' Badge, large sized for the Visor Cap. The smaller version with the wings attached to the crown is the Wedge Cap badge. This one is in very nice shape.

[Roy]

Hi Mike,

Many thanks for that, appreciated your reply. Even being an OR's badge I still love it, a wonderful design, very much of the period.

The condition is super too, no damage or wear that I can see. Two lugs (E&W) on the back and fully intact.

I don't see many of these Mike so assume they are quite rare.

If anyone has a period image of it being worn I would love to see it?

Cheers, Roy.

[Wingnut]

I am with Mike. OR's badge. Either way a difficult piece to get and a nice one. There are some pics available(scarce few) have a good search on line.

[Roy]

Hi Wingnut,

Many thanks for that. Yes an OR's badge seems to be the concuss. Not disappointed in the least, still a really lovely badge and in super condition. I did a quite check and the badge appears white metal but the 'CAF' is almost certainly overladed in silver.

From what I gather this is the 2nd type.

Thanks again, Roy.

[RCAF_Mike]

Yes, second type. The first type had no motto scroll on the bottom...... I've never seen an OR's first type!

[Roy]

Hi Mike,

Thanks for that. Yes it is now clear it is a second type (with the scroll). I wouldn't mind finding a first type but I guess that's a bit of a long shot!

I just picked up a really nice book - 'Eagles Recalled' by Warren Carroll. A great reference for early aviation insignia but also some interesting and detailed information regarding various unit, so something enjoyable to work through.

Cheers, Roy.