Enamelled RAF Rank Badges Question

[Wooffy]

I am familiar with the RAF Enamelled Rank badges and have a number of sets of them, but whilst browsing eBay I came across one with a Silver centre bar /stripe (Top badge in attached image), rather than the gold coloured ones I am much more familiar with (Lower badge in attached image). So the question I have is this - what is the significance of the silver rather than gold?

[blueboy684]

Having been around in the 1970's when they were issued, I suspect that this is merely a manufacturers variation (although I fully expect to be shot down in flames!!). My Pilot Officer example has a slightly different enamelled finish to the five others. They were only issued up to and including Group Captain - presumably Air Officers weren't rained on!!

They were very difficult to see and I gather they were not popular with the wearers!

[dragon166]

They were only ever finished in gold. There were two types - the first being covered in domed "glass"(resin) and the second being perfectly flat. This silver version might be as blueboy says a manufacturers variation or even a reject.

[Wooffy]

Thanks both, as I said - it's the first silver/silvered variant that I've seen.

[dragon166]

Hi Woofy
Problem solved. I ordered the item you asked about and it has just arrived. It is definitely gold coloured not silver. The photograph on the listing was poor and I think they took the description from the photo. So no silver ones to look out for.
Dave

[Wooffy]

Hi Dave

Yours must have been mailed before mine then, i'm awaiting one in the mail too! Thanks for the input though - I like it when problems can be resolved!

best wishes

Dave