Hawke RND

[Keith Blakeman]

I broke one of my golden rules the other day, that being if you want a genuine RND get it from Bosleys. However being the chancer I am I bid on and won this one for about half price.

With my cynical head on I'd say what's the chance of getting a mint genuine RND on ebay, pretty slim I'd have thought but this one is potentially just that. Providing the Gaunt plate is a trustworthy indicator of a real one, and I for one don't believe that as I'm told they were sticking these things on RND's in the 1970's or earlier then it's OK. However, there's plenty else about it that gives me a positive feeling - the bird looks correct and not vulture like, it's a crisp striking with no flash, the braze is neat and golden and the loops have a hint of oxidation. Photos don't always tell the true story though, there's depth to the badge, more rear definition than is apparent and the badge has a fair bit of weight.

The jury is out, but if this is a fake then God help us as the quality is superb. I've compared it to every 'genuine' one on forums I can find and the features are identical to them all. If this is fake then I'd be seriously worried if you have one too.

(I just wish I'd kept the one I got from an undisputable WW1 and earlier collection a few years ago for reference!).

[whizzbang]

Hi Keith,

Nothing wrong with that badge in my opinion. Well done!

Cheers, Ian.

[royston]

Hi Keith

Looks good.

John

[Arnhemjim]

Hello Keith,
If you would like further verification you might want to check my blog; http://www.arnhemjim.blogspot.com. Have included a page, with the assistance of other members of the forum, which provides a forensic analysis of all the RND cap badges.
Arnhem Jim
Arizona Territory

[kingsman64]

Wow

supercrisprightonefantastic

Lovely example well done.

Paul

[Paddy]

Keith

Looks good to me, may just look newish because a previous owner could have "dipped" it.

Paddy

[Nozzer]

Nice badge Keith. I just wish that I had one to compare it against

Nice one

Andy

[TRT]

I have compared to mine which came from a reputable UK dealer and it is very very similar and the lugs could be twins with mine. I would say 100% good badge.

Well done!

TRT

[Keith Blakeman]

Thanks to everyone, it appears the verdict is positive all around. It's one of those lucky finds, not cheap but much less than the going rate. The decision now is whether to try and get hold of the others!

[Sonofacqms]

Keith, I have two different Hawke Btn badges, one with a Gaunt plate that has had some polish and one without a plate with the flat loops similar to those found on some Canadian badges.

From the screen image your badge looks excellent and as for it's "new" look, well it has probably been put away in a drawer for 90 plus years.
Rob