ON WAR SERVICE 1915 -ENAMELED

[LONGSHANKS]

Hi all.

Here's another question, if anyone can confirm.

I'm sure I read that the enameled version of this badge was originally for managers and forman, and all brass for general workers. But in a web search to find information, I read that it was originally made by Gaunt then Wylie as all enameled, but due to cost they switched to all brass.

Anyone confirm the actual story for me.

Cheers

Simon.

[JerryBB]

Simon,

change from enameled to gilded brass was an economy measure, though silvered examples can also be found.

[LONGSHANKS]

Hi JB

So really the cost cutting measure seems to be the reason to switch then, and not so much a person's position. Make's sense, as the army had to do the same. Still, mean's it's closer to the original 1915 issue of the badges.

Thanks for the input

Regards

Simon.

[JerryBB]

Indeed Simon, purely a cost cutting exercise. The early examples would I assume be more desirable to collectors of such items.

There is detailed article to published soon on the WWI British Home Front Badges of which I was lucky to see an advance copy from the author.

[LONGSHANKS]

Thanks Jerry. Really appreciate the confirmation. I'll keep my eye open for what I read was the fist issue by Gaunt.

Cheers

Simon.

[dumdum]

Hi

Also got a very good condition "standard" 1915 brass badge with the "incuse" details filled in red and blue enamel. Lovely quality gilding and a low 4-digit number.