Imperial Service Badge
 

Hi all,

I'm looking for some opinions on this imperial service badge.

To me the letters don't look very sharp so I'm wondering if that means this is a fake.

I'm very new to all this so looking for some opinions please.

Thanks

Michael

Michael,

They were die cast so that might explain why the letters are not sharp but a picture of the back of the badge would help Forum members to give you their opinions.

P.B.

Michael,
from what you show it looks fine to me, there are several variations, some better than others!

Andy

Its fine. An original badge

regards

Thanks everyone, I'll add a picture of the back but it sounds like I'm ok.

Thanks again,

Michael

Best to link to the original ebay page Shiny- as the pictures belong to the seller. Regards, Paul.
http://www.britishbadgeforum.com/forum_rules.htm

Brass version of IS badge??
 

Hi Chaps

Even after over a century these Imperial Service badges are still quite common, I have a few examples in my collection.

However, when glancing through "Medal Yearbook" I was surprised to see that it states they were produced in "Cupro-nickel or brass".

I've seen many examples but only in white metal, never seen a brass example. Has anyone got/seen a brass version?

I think the book may have got it wrong but if they were awarded in both metals, who were the brass badges awarded to?

I should mention that I'm looking at the 2016 edition of the book (item 234A), I'm not sure to what extent the same info appears in earlier editions as I've given my old copies away.

David

Some previous discussion here:

http://www.britishbadgeforum.com/for...perial+Service

P.B.

Hi Peter

Many thanks for that, seems like the book is correct after all.

The brass version must be far scarcer than the WM, I wonder what the difference signifies, if anything?

David

David,

I have never seen a explanation for the different metals but brass ones must be worth picking up if you come across one.

Peter

Gents,

The brass ISBs which we see in circulation today are, in my opinion, and to the best of my knowledge, completely bogus. My research to date has revealed nothing as yet in the way of documentary evidence relating to its manufacture, other than a costing estimate from Jennens, in Aug of 1909 (which also included prices for w/m badges). This estimate was submitted to the WO before it was finally decided that they would be made in white-metal only, hence the reason I feel the brass version was never officially manufactured/issued/worn etc.

From the outset the War Office wanted this to be an inexpensive badge, though paradoxically, the w/m version was marginally more expensive in the Jennens estimates.

During the period of the badge's inception, the then Secretary of State, proposed that the King reconsider his initial approval for the badge to be w/m, for a bronze version instead. However, the King was having none of it and aced him out by sticking with his initial decision/approval of the white-metal version.

White-metal and g/m examples shown below:

Regards to all,

Attachment 137290

David,

Here is an example of a g/m badge:

Regards,

Attachment 137301

JT,
I believe Jennens only made officers badges? I'm sure I've a very well made Gm example somewhere, I will dig it out and post images! As theses are awards perhaps they were produced in Gm for officers, rather than private purchase items like other officers insignia?

Andy

Silly question but did officers wear them or were they expected to go as part of their service if need be.

I am sure officers did wear the "broach", it is certainly implied that they did in Westlakes "The Territorials 1908-1914 " and I am also sure that I have seen pictures of it been worn by officers but I cannot lay my hand on one at the moment.

P.B.