Recce Officers Silver/Gilt combinations
 

The recent posting regarding Theatre Made Recce titles which included photos of officers' silver/gilt badges prompted me to refer to my notes and look at the combinations of silver and gilt that Recce badges were made in.

The Journal of the Society for Army Historical Research Vol XXV Winter 1947 No 104 described five variations. I've mocked those up into the attached image (I've adapted the drawing from the wonderful Edwards' Regimental Badges) and given them "Type" reference letters purely for convenience of referring to each combination since describing them can be rather long winded. One variation wasn't mentioned so I've added that at the end as "Type X". (The reference to 'white metal' is as per the descriptions from the journal.)

Also attached are photos of two badges I have which are "Type A". Do any members have samples of these and the other variations that they could post photos of to illustrate the real thing? Thanks very much.
John

Recce
 

John,

Here are my 2 examples 1. Sil/Gilt 2.Silver (Ludlow London)

3748 Hussar

Thanks 3748 Hussar, your gilt does look gilt, I'm wondering about mine...
John

If you click on my name and view public profile it'll take you to my page where you will find not only my Recce Album of photographs, but also Len Whittaker's original notes on the Recce. I've got two big jewellery display boxes of Recce metal badges, split Officers and other ranks.

Ian H

Thanks Ian, exceedingly drool-worthy! Really useful notes from Len Whittaker and mention of the Indian Head trial pattern, if you have an old copy of Military Illustrated 122 from the late nineties, there's an article 'Birth of a Cap Badge' by me with illustrations from the Public Record Office, as was, of the various designs put forward including the Indian Head.
John

That's not a collection Ian, that's a fetish! Very nice. Keith

Have been lucky enough to pick up type A and B.. the A is a 3 piece and the B a two piece ..have also picked up a Scottish chrome variant, which is winging its way to my sticky mitts
Great piece of work by the way !!
cheers
Steve

There's a member here called "Car Commander" who specialises in Recce. He brought some of his collection to the last Yate Arms Fair and just blew my socks off. We had a badge orgy in the car park. If you can track his public profile down in 'Community' on bar above, Members list 'C', page 5 look for massive Recce badge picture, then his album. He's got some real corkers.
I can't compete with his actual Armoured Car though, seriously.

Ian H

Thanks very much Steve, lovely to have a 15R on its way, if you have a look at Car Commander’s album Ian mentioned, picture 7 has a pair of Scottish lion badges, the quality of the enamel inlay of the lions speaks for itself.
John

(Hopefully this direct link will take you to Les' album - http://www.britishbadgeforum.com/for...hp?albumid=358 )

Scottish chrome variant
 

Hi all

As always comments and views welcome from forum members

Cheers in advance

3748 Hussar

Hi John, here is my type B and a collar. Also a Ludlow, presumably silver, but blackened and no lugs? a sweetheart and the gilded cap badge, it has definitely been gilded- part of the wash went over the base of the lug. Hope these help, best wishes Mike

Hi John, the rest, Mike

Thanks very much Mike, your "Type B" at the left is interesting for its construction, the way the silver meets the scroll at the bottom, so many variants!
John

Hi John
thanks for the link ... that's a serious collection, a man with a mission
https://ibb.co/dO4Una
https://ibb.co/hzf8fv
hopefully these links should work.. I do have others but I do like these. I would like to locate a Reconnaissance Corps York's officers if I can but the only ones I have see have been around £320 which is rich for me
all the best
Steve

Although my main interest is Commando insignia I have accumulated a few Reconnaissance corps items over the years. I am far from an expert in this area but have been cautious in sourcing items, to avoid any reproductions. I always like to learn more from true specialists and enclose images of a couple of frames I have. Any comments appreciated. Please excuse the reflections in the glass - your truly to the right and a fellow forum member and friend to the left (with camera).
Regards
Mike