Propeller badge

[David Tremain]

A friend of mine in my militaria club recently obtained two two-bladed propeller badges in white metal which are assumed to be RFC Leading Aircraftsman. So far I have been unable to find any information showing any metal badges like this, only the cloth LAC badge. Can anyone confirm whether indeed they are RFC.? Sorry, but I don't have any photos.

David

[RCAF_Mike]

The Australians and South Africans had metal propeller badges for the sleeve, but they were usually darkened brass. I've never seen or heard of white metal ones..... maybe a theatre made piece?

[David Tremain]

What period would that have been, Mike?

David

[SAS1]

As Mike says, during the war the SAAF and SRAF used them in brass, while the RAAF used them in brass or gilt to 1940 then in 'bronzed' metal. I have several theatre made RAF examples in brass but have not seen silvered in any format.

The RCAF used silvered buttons and cap badges for some of their bands although cloth Rank badges. I also have chrome or white metal RAF, RNZAF and RAAF airmens badges and buttons which have been referred to as bands. So one of them may have used silver metal LAC either officially or unofficially.

The RFC had a blue patrol dress with scarlet trim. I had a full dress RFC cap once and it had a silvered cap badge. I dont know enough about the uniform to confirm if it had silvered insignia and they are so rare there are few examples to consult. Silvered RFC collar badgrs exist so its a possibility.

[GTB]

White metal RFC buttons existed.

GTB

[David Tremain]

Just as a follow up to everyone's comments, I was able to look at the propeller badges again today at the Ottawa show. They are actually blackened brass (some of the black has worn off), and have their backing plates. I decided to pass on them.

David