RN QVC cap badge

[Alex Rice]

Hi All
I recently (finally) acquired a QVC officer's cap badge for my RN badge collection. Although I have no problem with the badge, I was a bit taken back by the size of it! I was expecting something along the size of a WWI vintage badge but it is tiny in comparison to the post-1902 cap badges. I've photographed it here alongside a standard WWII vintage cap badge and a post-1952 beret badge. Is this a standard size for the QVC badge or was there a large variation in sizes for these badges? When was the size standardized by regulations, or was it?
Thanks in advance. Cheers,
Alex

[Guzzman]

Hi Alex

I think there was quite a bit of variation in size in cap badges during this period but I don't think I've seen one that small before! Could it possibly be for a cadet or midshipman? I have several Victorian belt plates issued for cadets/midshipmen and they are much smaller than those issued to other officers. Many of these would not have been much more than boys and perhaps an adults badge would simply have been too big for a boys cap. The difference in size in belt plates (which are exactly the same design - just smaller) shows that smaller sizes of insignia were produced for the young cadets. Just a suggestion!

Pete

[Alex Rice]

Hi Pete
That is news to me about the smaller size badges, but it makes a lot of sense with the really young cadets & middy's being recruited in the 1800's. I would be quite happy if that is the case!
Thanks for the information.
Cheers,
Alex

[RCN]

NICE Alex!

My QV Cap badge is also small.

From the photos of Mids & Officers in the Navy & Army Illustrated it appears as if the sizes are the same,


Bryan

[Milmed]

Hi Alex,
Great to hear you finally got one. I had a very nice one years ago and in a moment of madness cleared out all my badges to a fellow collector including the Victorian navy officers badge. It had an A and D on either side of the anchor and was also of the same size as your badge. All the ones I have ever seen including in pictures have been of this smaller stature.

Steven

[Alex Rice]

Hi Bryan & Steven
Thanks for the replies, I'm happy with mine whatever the size.

Steven - Pity you got rid of yours. I think the AD was Admiralty Dockyards, so that would have been a rare one ...

Cheers,
Alex

[badgecollector]

Hi Alex
Yours looks the same size as mine. Will try dig it out and get a pic for u
BC

[royston]

There are photographs of Victorian Officer's wearing a smaller crown to the hat, often called a forage cap. This would account for the smaller badge.

[Alex Rice]

Originally Posted by royston

There are photographs of Victorian Officer's wearing a smaller crown to the hat, often called a forage cap. This would account for the smaller badge.

Hi Royston
Are there any photos online and if so, can you give us a link to them, that would be very helpful.
Thanks, cheers,
Alex

[royston]

Hi Alex

I will have a "dig around" have seen photo's in the past.

John

[royston]

Alex

Item from Bosley's Auctions July 2009. Badge states Forage Cap The badge sold for £198.00

[Pembird]

Greetings everyone, it never ceased to amaze me that we have always had a huge navy and ruled the waves for a very long time so how come is it so difficult to get hold of a Victorian hatbadge ? I've enclosed a shot of some of my naval hatbadges I have picked up over time, thought they might be of interest to fellow collectors.

[btns]

Originally Posted by Milmed

Hi Alex,
... I had a very nice one years ago and in a moment of madness cleared out all my badges to a fellow collector including the Victorian navy officers badge. It had an A and D on either side of the anchor and was also of the same size as your badge. ...
Steven

Attached is an unidentified button with KC and gothic letters A D. An older version with a QVC is known to exist.
Collectors have named it "Auxiliary Division" but I found no evidence. I have tried to link it to "Alexandra Docks Hospital" but again no proof.
Does anyone know who used this badge and button?

[manchesters]

Admiralty Division?

[Guzzman]

Hi everyone

Re the AD buttons. I have been told that the AD stood for either 'Admiralty Dredging (Service)' or 'Admiralty (Works) Department'. Never been given any evidence either way but since the Admiralty Dredging Service did actually exist as a separate organisation until about 1950 (I will check later and confirm the dates) my money has always been on that option. I can't really imagine the Works Department needing a special button! I know that I have never seen a Queen's Crown AD button other than a VQC, which fits in with it being for the Admiralty Dredging Service.

Pete