Question re Home Guard UTP Badge
 

I am just wondering if there are any ways to tell a legitimate UTP (Upper Thames Patrol) badge from the many, many fakes that I see offered?

Thanks,

Terry

Terry, I cannot answer your question as I believe that my UTP badge is NOT real. I do not think I have seen a real one.
I do have this rather nice bullion badge for the UTP, it is cap badge size.

Jerry

Thanks Jerry,

If it's not real, it is still a very nice looking badge. The bouillon one is nice too, but does look new made.

Terry

The metal badge is indeed a fake.

A genuine one here https://www.britishbadgeforum.com/fo...+Thames&page=2

Bit more info here https://www.britishbadgeforum.com/fo...and+home+guard

The UTP hasn’t been restruck from the original die and there are thankfully significant differences so the good ones are easy to spot. The proximity of the sword hilt to the U and position of the anchor chain are probably the most catching to the eye and immediately noticeable, there are however numerous differences when studied closely.

Luke, that info re the sword hilt says it all. The two I have are fakes based on that - very disappointing, but only paid $10 USD for one of them. Will still do until I am able to get a good one!

Terry

Expect to pay £90-100+ for a genuine one from a dealer but they do pop up occasionally on eBay for less.

Thanks Luke. The one I paid the most for was from a dealer, and they say they stand behind their items, so I have contacted them and hope they indeed to stand behind it. I will use the information from here to present my case with out referring to the forum.

Terry

This is my UTP I have had for some years now, but have never been sure of. It seems to be good, with clear detail.

CB

It’s a fake.

A correct one I believe for comparison.
Mark

To close the loop, I received a nice reply from the dealer giving me the address to return the fake badge to, and thanking me for the information. I bought that badge several months ago, so have to say this is a very upstanding dealer in my mind and I will continue to do business with him.

Terry

Beautiful badge Mark.

Pity. It is actually a finely made badge, almost better than the original. Another for the bin.

CB