Welch Regimet Anodised
 

I'm looking for some opinions from those members who specialise in Anodised badges on these three to the Welch Regiment.
1 & 2 are of what I believe to be a well worn but genuine Gaunt marked example with full silver back.
3 & 4 are of a Smith & Wright example but this time with a full gold back. Is this right?
5 & 6 are of what I regard to be a modern copy with an impressed back.
Can anyone please confirm my opinions or advise otherwise.
Diolch yn fawr,
Kevin

Kevin,

Gaunt Bham was a mark used later than 1958 so unless your Bn had a TA Bn or cadets still wearing the badge then it is one made for collectors by the company in the 1970s.

S&W is a good 1950s maker.

Alan

Alan,
Thank you for the information. Whilst the Gaunt one is in all probability as you say, there is a possability that the cadets wore it as I was wearng the Welsh Brigade badge in the early to mid seventies whilst in the Cadets, but the Regiment by then was badged as RRW.
Any thoughts on the last badge shown?
Kevin

Kevin,

That type of construction matches a number of badges found for regts such as the 3rd Hussars, Royal Warwickshires and a few more. It is doubtful that these were made in the 1950s before the regts disbanded. Unfortunately they do sell for large sums from some dealers.

Alan

Sut Mae 41st,
1 The Gaunt badge was issued to Army Cadet Detachments.I had one in 1964.
2 I know nothing of the Smith and Wright.
3 Is the 3rd one of the type used in "The Famous Regiments"issue ?
Hwyl
Bantam

Shwmae Bantam,
Wy'n drist achos y gem ddoe, a ti?
Thanks for the info on your time in the cadets, I'll keep it as a cadet example from the decade before mine. I still can't find the little black and white tabs we wore as the Cardiff High detachment.
Your suggestion on the third example could be right as whilst I don't think it is a genuine example, it doesn't look as bad as the recent fakes being pedalled around the fairs.
Hwyl,
Kevin

Hi Guys,

Bit late here but here goes:

1. Gaunt B'Ham is 1973 onwards - Welch Regt had an active service end date of 1969 so this badge is an unofficial commission or possible cadet issue if indeed they actually wore them.

2. Smith & Wright looks good but I would have expected to see the slider slightly more tapered. If you have some digital calipers can you measure the width of the top of the slider (near the bend) and near the 'point' for me and post them here.

The gold back denotes the final dye colour used in the anodising process - nothing more so don't get hung about this sort of thing.

3. Looks like a rare fake as opposed to an unofficial commission. If you decide to sell it please let me know first as if it is a fake item (I need to handle it first) I would like to include it in my book.

It's not a "Famous Regiments" issue as these all had pointed lugs.

Hope this helps.

Chris

Hwyl,

Are you sure that it was a 'Gaunt Bham badge' and not a 'Gaunt London' badge in 1964 - this would push forward the use of the Bham mark considerably earlier than had been thought?

Alan

Hi Guys,

I was lucky enough to be sent the 'fake' Welch Regt badge being No. 3 in the photos shown.

It is in fact a genuine badge made by J.R.GAUNT - date unknown.

Humble pie all around while I wipe the egg from my face...

Regards

Chris

Picked up this one today which seems to match the third type shown, to my untrained eyes?

Any thoughts and comments would be appreciated.