REAL OR FAKE VICTORIAN OFFICERS HELMET PLATE?
 

JUST GOT THIS VICTORIA CROWN ESSEX REGIMENT OFFICERS HELMET PLATE AND I AM NOT SURE ABOUT IT. THE QUALITY SEEMS TO BE LACKING AND I AM UNSURE ABOUT THE CAST WREATH AND GARTER. I HAVE NO EXPERIENCE OF THESE HELMET PLATES SO ANY HELP WOULD BE MOST APPRECIATED.

IMHO its a copy and not original.

Lack of rear detail, no signs of old gilt, not of sufficient quality generally.

regards

I would have to agree that it is likely a fake; but there are a few strangely well done qualities about it (the Essex scroll on the bottom for example) that make me wonder why such effort for a fake badge.

CB

I'm with Simon, there seem to be a number of odd looking plates around at the moment, I think they are best avoided.

I wouldn't want it.
Andy

Thanks all, thats one for the mistakes box. : )

Was it expensive ?

This sort of thing are not normally offered for pennies when sold as original.

I don’t know anything about helmet plates or HPCs but just an observation I’d agree with the other comments about quality. The casting of the oak wreath looks positively shoddy and the detail on the crown isn’t convincing.

I’d also ask, how does this badge fit into the evolution of the design. Look at this thread https://www.britishbadgeforum.com/fo...ad.php?t=39463 the badge has a KC yet retains the regimental castle. So how/why is it a QVC plate has a regimental castle centre?

Perhaps others more informed than I can answer this but seems at best an oddity a later badge reverting to the earlier castle or perhaps it’s just plain suspicious.