Hello and what to do with a box of cap badges??
 

Hi
whilst on a lock-down clear out I have re-discovered a box of what I think are mostly cap badges that my late father collected. There are at least 100 and I would welcome some advice about how to clean them, research them and potentially sell them in the future (with the exception of any I can link to family members who served in WW1).
Thanks in advance!

Hello Newby, welcome to the Forum. Your account is active and open for posts.
The membership can assist with your questions, and it would be helpful if you could post images.

Don't polish then but give then a scrub in soapy water and dry them well.

Post some photos of each badge in an albums nd I will happily Id them for you.

Thank you Alan!
 

I will get cleaning next week and aim to post some pics next weekend :)

I would suggest not cleaning them.

Most collectors prefer badges to show their age rather than the recently cleaned look which can put some off should it come up too ‘new’ looking.

Why not post a photo of them all?

The only exception I’d make to this is unless there’s active verdigris and corrosion as that is damaging the badge.

I would add that you take photos of the backs also.
Andy

Please don't clean them

And don't worry if you're told some badges are fake. We've all had them.
Andy

Often the most important aspect of badges!

CB

I wouldn't clean them either.

Cleaning
 

Hi Newby,
Welcome to the forum, if you have verdigris on the badges I find that a gentle rub with some WD40 will halt it and although the underlying finish may have been 'eaten' by the verdigris, the badge looks a little better. As to cleaning, it depends. I recently had a black and horrible martingale badge which looked appalling. I dipped it in silver dip and it came up as a stunner, and turned out to be a wonderful frosted silver. However, just cleaning the age old patina off old army badges can spoil their look especially if you start cleaning off bronzed finishes etc. I think the White collection was a loft find. The badges were mint, almost as good as the day they were made. I remember returning a South Irish Horse badge to another dealer as I could not live with its bright lively finish, only to be told it had come from the White collection. I wish he had told me that in the first place. Anyway, welcome to the BMBF, I look forward to seeing your album.
Cheers
Mike
The Quartermaster
www.qmsmilitaria.com

Pictures attached - thanks in advance!
 

Hi
thanks for the offers to identify the badges! I have attached some group photos and would welcome any feedback!
Thanks
Rachel

Hello Rachel,
As far as the cap badges are concerned the majority look ok but difficult to tell on some of them as the pictures are blurred when I open them up to see any details, also ideally if you can show the back of the badges it would help with the confirming authenticity of the badges .

Gerard

The Norfolk Regiment looks ok, but hard to tell whether it's a bi-metal or an "all brass" (1916 all-GM 'economy'). As previously stated clear front and back pictures will help immensely. However, should you be thinking of moving on items that are proved to be original, please offer them here first. Members do take exception to giving free valuations/assessments only to see the items later appearing on a well-known auction site. No disrespect intended to you; just stating the case.

As already mentioned, you need to post pictures of the backs also. Clear pictures, or you probably won't get a response.
Andy