Authenticity of Royal Irish Rifles, 14 Battalion Hat Badge
 

Thank you for accepting me into your forum.

I live in Australia and recently bought a WW1, Royal Irish Rifles, 14th Battalion (Young Citizens Volunteers of Ireland) hat badge with slider. It was found in a general antiques store with other British badges. There was no claim to it being real or a copy, in fact the owners had no idea about the badge and it was sold cheap.

My research shows this badge is openly copied. I am asking for opinions on its Authenticity.

Thanks in advance Kel

Hello Kelvis, welcome to the Forum. Your account is active and open for posts.

Welcome and congratulations on owning a genuine and valuable badge which is sadly much copied.

Find of the year, they sell for over £100.

hi Kel
wheres this antiques store
lololol
well done
bc

If your are just starting collecting- you have peaked too early! I doubt you would get another like that. Still a badge on my wants list. Well done. Regards, Paul.

Thanks for your help.
 

Thank you for the advice on my badge. Yes beginners luck. I liked the symbolism of the badge. (No political bias)

I'm not sure what I will do with it as it is not what I collect, I suppose you have to start somewhere.

Thanks again for going out of your way to help.

Kel
Newcastle, Australia

Keep it as you’ll never find another in a general antiques shop.

Good finds and luck are part of the fun. This will remind you of a good day where you’ve found something very nice indeed, which is important to remember when the occasional clanger is dropped.

You have a piece of Kitcheners Army and the Pals in your possession, a very emotive and significant part of social and military history in WW1. Treasure it.