Royal Irish Regiment QVC cap badge
 

Do any RIR badge collectors know if there were two patterns of the QVC cap badge? I've seen two types on Cultman's website and was wondering if they are both legitimate?

The first has a rounder, well formed crown, but on the reverse the metal looks to be quite thin:
https://www.cultmancollectables.com/...1&search=irish

The second has quite a crude crown, with rough edges, and the strings are not perfectly straight, though the reverse looks good, with thicker metal and nice dark lugs:
https://www.cultmancollectables.com/...0&search=irish

I'd appreciate member's thoughts on these, as I'm looking to add one to my collection

Same pattern but maker's variation. Both good in IMO but I would choose the one on the right.

You are looking at RIR Patt 4397/1896 sealed on 28.04.1896

(KC Patt 4397A/1902 sealed 06.05.1902
Patt 7442/1911 sealed 29.09.1911)

ie two different dies, either by the same maker or from two different makers. Most likely a maker that the regiment usually chooses. (Firmin for example has two different KLR dies.)
(If you're a fanatic like me - I'd have both!)


I'm sure John Mulcahy will give you a definitive view!

As Keith says both are genuine badges.

Many thanks for the input, chaps! Now to decide which pattern I prefer...

I have nothing further to add and agree with all the previous comments. John

Good gracious, not inexpensive!:eek: