Elgin QC Officers badge. Copy or ???

[WJ Miller]

Okay, just what exactly is this...

Picked this up this past week off eBay (Ursual was the vendor).

Sold as a 'copy'. Auction description here:
"A Reproduction (Copy) of a Queen's crown Officer's cap badge for Elgin Regiment of Canada. This badge was never authorized with a Queen's crown and only a few Officer's badges were ever made. This replica is bi-metal, measures 37 mm by 43 mm and has 2 pins with friction fasteners on the reverse for wear. Please note the condition of the back of the badge - very roughly made."

The front is very nice, beautifully finished, looks to be gold plated. The back... not so much. It is very rough cast.

So, is it a copy?? If so, a what is it a copy of?? The pattern it is cast from is Not the QC other ranks badge? One obvious difference is the base of the crown is straight/horizontal, while the regular QC badge has a curved base to arch over the annulus. Rear has clutch pins

I have a white metal and enamel badge that appears to be of the same 'die', also well finished on the front, but rough cast on the back. (this has a broach join clasp)

Are these issue, or 'copies'?? Seems (from the outward face, a well made badge - too well made for a mere copy?

[Snowdrop 68]

I have one of these also. I've had it for a while now and was told it was Officer issue.

Will be interested in thoughts on this.

regards, Bill

[Bill A]

Bill, I think Mike R should have some information on this pattern. I don't think they were repro, but were acquired by the regiment.
The Elgins were into the 1970s before they got a qc pattern badge.

[Michael Reintjes]

Bill has it right...these badges are legit and contracted to a company in India or Pakistan in the 1970's. I think Lt. Brian Sim was behind the purchase.....I call them the 8 feet badges....they look pretty good from about 8 feet away...

[WJ Miller]

Thanks guys. So is this the only issue/variety of QC Officer's badge?

Here is a white metal/enamel variety I picked up last year. What is this?

Similarly abysmal construction...

[WJ Miller]

Hmmm. upon looking closer at Snowdrop's badge. They are different. Particularly the St. George/Dragon part of the overlay. There are some other differences, but that is the most obvious.

Snowdrop, what does the back of yours look like? it is rough cast, like mine?

[Bill A]

Hi Bill, There are several varieties of officers Elgin's qc badges.

[Snowdrop 68]

Hi Bill,

I'll have a look next weekend when I get home and post a pic of the back.

Regards, Bill