Lettering Style on Metal Badges
 

Hello All,

Although I am aware that different fonts (serif, sans serif, gothic etc) and sizes are used on the lettering of badges, I would like to know if there is a general time period when they were used.

In particular, on the sans serif font, were the straight letters and rounded letters used at a particular time (or manufacturer), or are all rounded end letters only found on reproductions.

Thanks in advance for responses.

Regards

Chris

I can only answer from my KLR collection:
Plain serif appear to be more common from c 1896 to 1926 (or up to the 2nd WW)

sans serif appear to be later badges than 1926.

There is no universal rule for this.

Thanks Alan,

so what about rounded end on san serif letters - on some badges it is said they are a definite sign of reproductions - is this true for all?

Chris

Alas no. It's possible to differentiate between some fakes and genuine badges by the incorrect font style but there is no universal rule.

Many fake modern dies share the same characteristics of style that enable you to spot them. A good example is the bearded St Andrew that is found on many Royal Scots fakes.