WW2 Economy Plastic RA
 

Hi all

I found this little badge at a flea/collectibles fair last weekend in Johannesburg in a scratch tin, and paid the crazy price of 50 P for it!

This one was made by A. Stanley and Sons, Wallsall.

Any info on these ie were they collar, beret/cap, time frame worn etc would be much appreciated, including approx value.

Thanking you
Brian

Brian,

For the WW2 Beret/GS Cap.
Very common, £3-£5 here.

regards

Sometimes worn on a backing of RA colours in order to make it look a little better (the example on the right shows a backing made from a 21 Army Group printed formation sign).
Attachment 118174

At 666,232 pairs of this collar badge made they are almost unsaleable and tend to be in the junk boxes.
Andy

I would not say unsalable at all. The RA was a big Regiment.

The are listed as for use in the Field Service Cap (Sidecap) as well as the later FS Cap & Berets and OSD Collar.

For collectors, there a two different makers to look for as well. Yours being A Stanley the more common of the 2.

Guys

What a wealth of info in reply, thanks a million.

These are not often seen out here in Africa hence the lack of info on my part.

I was rather happy to find this one which is in fine shape. This is my second one the other has shrunk to almost two thirds this one's size, is this common?

Regards
Brian

Unfortunately yes, the plastic degrades shrinks, warps and looses it's colour and at sometime most of the plastics around now that are in good shape will start to happen to them unless there's a way of conserving them.
Just my opinions there.
Andy :)

I have 3 of these, two slightly different versions by Stanley & Sons and one by F&G (Fraser & Glass).

Thanks guys once again.

Does anyone know the time frame when these badges were used?

Gerry it appears your one with a number 2 and mine came out the same mold?

I compared it to mine and it has all the same little striations and minute marks on the rear. How weird!

Regards
Brian

Brian,

Same period as other British plastics, WW2 period, not popular and no doubt discarded after hostilities ended.

regarsd

An Imp War Museum link states that it was worn as a cap badge on ORs f/s cap 1941-1943.

GTB

I have reports of plastic badges still being issued/worn 'on wastage' till the late 40's

ACI's stated that they should not be discarded but issued till run out, but I am sure many were indeed discarded! same as crowns in 1952 with some Imperial Crowns being worn into the 60's

Introduction of a new pattern and 'seal dates' are not the same as 'in use' dates.

WW2 Plastic R A Badges
 

Hi Brian,
The answer to your question on the R A Plastic Badges.

Royal Artillery. Cap Badge ( Gun) (For Khaki Service Dress Cap)
Manufactured on 02/04/1943, 29,232 were produced.

Collar Badge (Grenade) For Field Service Cap and Officers Service Dress Collars
Manufactured from 10/02/42 to 02/11/45. 666,232 Pairs were made.
F&G Made 175000 pairs. A, Stanley Made 491,232 Pairs.
I hope this helps you with you enquiry.
Regards
Ray Smith

I would be interested in seeing any image of these plastic grenades being worn as a collar badge.

Marc

I also find it strange that apart from the Royal Marines, the RA were the only 'Line Regiment' to have Collar Badges produced? and a lot of them!