New Metal: BRITISH ARMY CAP BADGES 1990-2020
 

Hi Guys,

Many of you will know that for the last 4-5 years I have been investigating the current range of British Army cap badges. Over this period of time I have put this information together into a book which follows on from my first efforts on anodised aluminium pieces.

The proposed publication will be in hard back containg approx. 240 pages. This is a shorter book than 'No Bull' as less badges were produced over a shorter period of time although it will cover the following:

a) 161 authorised and issued cap badges - these have NSN and pattern No.
b) 11 authorised and regimentally acquired cap badges
c) 12 badges that I can find not documentation for but are known to be worn

this gives a total of 184 badges of which 182 are illustrated in the book. I am however, confident of the other two appearing before publication. All are officer issue unless otherwise stated. The book does not cover certain ceremonial pieces many which, although worn, were probably manufactured pre 1990 or inherited form disbanded/amalgamated units.

A breakdown of badges:


Authorised ‘New Metal’ Cap Badges

Regular Army
Household Cavalry
Royal Armoured Corps
Foot Guards
Regular Infantry of the Line
Gurkhas
Corps


The Territorial Army
Yeomanry
Artillery
Infantry

Departments and Other Services

Bands

The Corps of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines



Authorised ‘New Metal’ Cap Badges Sourced by Regiments and Corps

Regular Army
Royal Armoured Corps
Foot Guards
Regular Infantry of the Line
Corps
Bands


Territorial Army
Artillery
Corps
Army Cadet Force and Combined Cadet Force


Non-Authorised ‘New Metal’ Cap Badges

Regular Army
Royal Armoured Corps
Regular Infantry of the Line
Gurkhas
Corps


The Territorial Army
Yeomanry
Corps
Bands
Army Cadet Force and Combined Cadet Force


Chapter of contents:

Chapters

Chapter 1: A Brief History 1
Chapter 2: Definition 8
Chapter 3: The Manufacturers 9
Chapter 4: Manufacturer’s Markings 12
Chapter 5: Vertical Shanks 21
Chapter 6: Lugs 25
Chapter 7: Bodies 30
Chapter 8: Other Badge Components 34
Chapter 9: Packaging 42
Chapter 10: The Manufacturing Process 48
Chapter 11: Fakes and Reproductions 52
Chapter 12: The Badges 60
Chapter 13: Final Words 175


Appendices

Appendix 1: Obsolete ‘Options For Change’ Era Cap Badges 176
Appendix 2: Authorised ‘New Metal’ Cap Badges 181
Appendix 3: Authorised ‘New Metal’ Cap Badges Sourced by Regiments and Corps 213
Appendix 4: Non-Authorised ‘New Metal’ Cap Badges 218
Appendix 5: Specifications 222
Appendix 6: Sources 223
Appendix 7: Identification Codes for ‘New Metal’ Cap Badges 224
Appendix 8: Abbreviations 231
Index: 234

I have attached some images from pages of the book, cover etc.


I envisage the price of the book to be around the 65-70 GBP mark of which 25-30 GBP of this is worldwide postage from New Zealand. This is expensive but I can do nothing about the postage component so no point complaining about it. Printing and other costs take up quite a whack too.

I am sure though that the book will pay for itself over time and that the money would be well spent. Note that there are some pretty impressive fakes on the market selling for over 100GBP so I'll leave it to you to contemplate the wisdom of acquiring this work.

Enough of the hard sell - the purpose of this thread is a marketing exercise to see if it is feasible to publish on a large scale. Please let me know. :)

Regards,

Chris Marsh

Sounds great Chris.

What are the 2 missing badges? Perhaps the forum can help you acquire or borrow for such a worthy cause.

It’s going to be great, so I would like to buy one when it’s ready. I plan to send you info on the royal Anglian badge.

Hi Chris,

Put me down for a copy when it's available for sale.

Mick

Hi Chris

Put me down for a copy when available please. I am looking forward to another great book of reference.

Regards

Ian

A thumbs up from me also

Would make a great reference book Chris, definitely one I’d have

Gerard

Chris,

Yes from me.

Tim

One for me please Chris.

Yes Chris.

Yes please Chris.

Hi Guys,

Thanks for all the positive feed back.

Luke, the two badges I am looking for are:

1) 'G' Guards Company - authorised and (to be) issued with NSN and pattern No. This should be reasonably easy to obtain as time goes on.

2) Central Band of the Army Cadet Force - authorised but ACF purchase so no NSN or pattern No. I am currently using the ACF TRF cloth badge in the book which shows the ACF design - not a great solution though. The badge used by the band is the same lion, crown and scroll design in gold and red. The badge though is quite large. Lots of representation by self and others to the ACF but no news back. It was first authorised back in 2010 by the Army Dress Committee and in 2011 this authorisation was extended to the Army Cadet Force Pipes and Drums Band.

Also attached is an image of some members of the band with Elizabeth. I do not own this image and can't remember where it came from but if there are an issues with it being used here I will immediately remove it.

Regards,

Chris

Yes, one for me please Chris

One for me too please Chris, here’s the G coy badge I think you mean?
Wilf

Put me down for one please Chris. Looks like another excellent reference book.

Bill