WW2 Westminster Regt Officers badge GILT not Copper
 

Received this badge the other day and thought it would be a good example to show other collectors what the actual composition and finish vs what is out there for info in common reference resources (Brooker's). The badge is referred to in Brookers reference as 272-11-230, silver on copper. While most badges of this type are found in copper with a silver overlay the actual original finish was gilt on copper with silver overlay. The Regimental Museum staff have passed on that for some reasons Officers started polishing their badges and as the gilt came off they all ended up with copper badges. When I broke this 3 piece badge down, the results speak for themselves. Evolution being what it is the Regimental Officers badge is now only produced in copper and white metal.

I don't see any residual gilding on the reverse of the little beaver / crown overlay. This reinforces my belief that these badges may have been a gilt / silver / copper tri-metal when new. The example shown has the same lugs & wired overlays as yours, but I'm not bold enough to take it apart to check my theory.