Gloustershire Regiment Mini Badges - What era?
 

Hi all, I'm on a posting frenzy here:D. I picked these up out of the junk box of a coin dealer a few years ago. Paid 1 dollar for both. What exactly (beside inexpensive) are they? Now I have a book by Major T.J. Edwards called Regimental Badges and the badge I have is pictured, almost as an afterthought on page 198. Note that the one badge with the longer slider has a stamped "G". Why, you may ask, because the old collector was always afraid of having his collection stolen so he marked all his badges when possible with a "G" to show his ownership! There was probably another 20 badges in the junk box with the same "G" stamped into the slider.

I would like to know when this badges was worn, is it real and if it is a common, uncommon, rare or "I put all my kids through university" rare badge.

Thansk in advance,

Greg

Hi Greg,

What you have there are two Gloucester back badges, the badge was worn for two periods as its interim replacement as it proved unpopular with soldiers. Its first period of wear was when cap badges came in at the turn of the last centurary until 1918 when the bi-metal larger version was introduced. Its second period of wear was from 1935 to when staybrites and brigades came in the late 1950s. Incidentiall it was worn to comemerate the actions of the 28th foot during their 'back to back stand' the battle of Alexandria in Egypt when attacked in line by the French from both front and rear, the rear rank turned to drive them off. As for for price, I'm at uni now as it happens and can assure you that it wont quite stretch to financing a 3 year course... more like a round down the pub. Price would be no more than £8 each top wack fora genuine one which I'd say both yours are (certainly the one marked G is). What other badges were you left can you put any pics up?

All the best,

Luke