Algonquin Regiment monel metal

[Bill A]

The Algonquin Rifles were redesignated the Algonquin Regiment in 1929. As a result, a new badge was required, with a design being approved in 1931. Due to the Great Depression, army bureaucracy and regimental delay, the new basdges were not acquired for several years. One issue delaying the purchase was the desire of the Algonquin's to use monel metal, a nickel alloy that was produced by INCO, the mining company operating in the regimental area. The alloy was much harder and had properties not found in the typical white metal badges. Monel was magnetic and has a distinctive blueish tinge. As well it was an excellent base for plating and did not corrode. NDHQ agreed to the use of monel, at no additional expense to the public, and the first run of the Algonquin Regt badges (listed as M145 in Mazeas), were acquired in the mid-1930's.
Army re-organization impacted the use of the metal for badges. In 1936, the Sudbury company of the Algonquin's was calved off and merged with the Sault Ste Marie Regt, creating the Sault Ste Marie and Sudbury Regt. INCO, and thus monel were now in a different regimental area. The SSM & S Regt had their badges struck using monel planchets. The Algonquin's, now organized on a north-south axis in northeastern Ontario, still covered some of the mining areas. The Algonquin's were mobilized in 1940 and required an inventory of badges. A dispute arose between the SSM & S Regt and the Algonquins about the use of monel. It was claimed the Algonquins no longer represented the INCO area and thus should not be entitled to use the metal. The SSM & S Regt also eventually mobilized claimed the material for their badges. Before the dispute was resolved, monel and nickel were declared strategic materials and as such no further supplies were available. INCO had also decided that the monel would not be donated. New orders of the Algonquin badges would have to be made in other materials. Starting in 1940, their badges were stamped in white metal.
The monel badges made for the Algonquin Regiment are scarce compared to the later white metal pattern. The SSM & S Regt were supposed to use white metal for any future orders starting in 1940, but it appears they had enough monel badges to meet their needs during the war.
Attached is the first pattern monel badge. Note the Scully maker mark, while many of the SWW badges are Birks mm.

[michael999]

Interesting information...Thanks for posting Bill..

Thanks Mike