R.C.A.F. Hodge podge of buttons
 

I was digging through my badges and photos looking for my pre 1932 insignia for the Irish Regiment of Canada. I came across this card I did many years ago to keep some R.C.A.F. buttons separate from other things.


Here is what I find to be an interesting array of R.C.A.F. buttons.

The two large ones in the first row upper left are both a flat style, King’s Crown. The left one is maker marked United Carr Canada, the right hand one is maker marked J.R. Gaunt Montreal. There are many differences to the two stampings, the main differences are the detail and size of the crown on the Gaunt is much better. Also the lettering on the United Carr stamping is broader.

Top row right, both these buttons are raised and gilt washed. The one on the left is Maker Marked Wm Scully LTD Montreal; the one on the right is Maker Marked Gaunt London.
The two stampings are very similar; one noticeable difference being the lettering on the Gaunt badge is larger and closer together.

I will follow up further on the other buttons when time permits.

I've always thought that buttons with a rim are officers issue (better quality, private purchase) and those without are ORs issue. I this this applies to the end of WW2, afterwards it doesn't apply.

Currently, all uniforms, officers and otherwise come with generic buttons. Officers and NCOs can switch to a regimental pattern if one exists.

Cheers,

Greg

My understanding is that the "smooth" field buttons without the border around the edge are wartime, while the any others were post war.

Bill I noticed the WW2 48th KC button had a rim and the 48th QC button was smooth. Ray

Morning Ray, I am not sure if there is any connection to the 48th buttons and the stamping with the "rims" pre qc and post kc.

Smylie has them listed as such. Ray