Third Middlesex R.G.A. Volunteers
 

Does anyone have a genuine Third Middlesex Royal Garrison Artillery Volunteers cap badge they can show?

I acquired the below badge a short while ago and whilst the loops look OK and it’s not the tall orb fake nevertheless the reverse impression of the bottom scrolls is not what I’d expect from a Edwardian badge.

Having said that an extensive internet search didn’t turn up anything better looking.

Luke,

I have one.

Will add photos tomorrow.

regards

Thanks Simon.

Regards,

Luke

The lettering on the scroll doesnt look right to me ?
Andy

Yours is pretty much identical to mine Luke, copper lugs, yellow solder, and not quite the definition of the lettering on the rear that I would expect from that period.

I've never really accepted it as genuine and have noted a few on ebay in the past, not always with lugs in the correct spot either.

Keith

Well heres mine. Always thought it fine, but its similar to Lukes, but no braize spill as per Keiths comments.

regards

Footed lugs Simon ?
Andy

Andy,

No. 100% no feet, despite any camera trickery that may make it seem so above.

regards

It might well be an original then.
Andy

Thanks gents.

Simon yours is from the same die as my badge. Note the jewels in the band on the crown and the misaligned top line of dots dipping into a pair of jewels.

After a lot more searching I’ve found a badge which I believe is from another die albeit the resolution isn’t the best and it’s impossible to see the finer details.

But to pick up on a good point Andy makes. Note the shape of the lettering, it has a far more Latin font appearance and better definition, especially evident on the ‘E’s. Which I feel is a big pro.

The cons however is the rear definition on the bottom scrolls still appears poor and not what I would expect - especially the scrolls either end. Also the colour of the thing on the back. In my experience early WM badges rarely naturally turn black/tarnished to a brassy colour because of the high quality of the metal used.

Looks like the lugs may be resoldered. Over heating it will permanently damage white metal and discolour it.

Luke,

So whats your conclusion on our badges?

regards

Here’s a very poor picture of lot 1512 from the 2006 Dix Noonan and Webb sale of the late Norman Litchfield’s collection.

Whilst the pictures are now only thumbnails the badge outline and shapes of voids are still useful. Note the shape of the crown and void, especially the left corner, below the ground and Middlesex scroll. I would say the void at the other end matches too where it’s more of a drop, also the void is deeper whereas the badge on the green background is more of a thin shallow crescent.

So I’d say Norman regraded our badges as genuine Simon.

In the description it states the loops on the non-moving wheel badge are at the ‘extremities’. I know that’s often derided and a feature on many of the common fakes but this Cadets badge sold by Bosley’s has that feature and looks good to me, so perhaps the rules are not hard and fast. And again the reverse detail on the bottom scroll is again less than stellar.

Would anyone have the sale catalogue?

Thanks Luke,

I may have bought it off him as it happens, I dont recall., but I got a lot of my artillery badges from him at Arms Fairs where he was standing.

regards

Norman was a very decent man, I do miss him and will always have good memories of the times at the various provincial fairs.