Essex Yeomanry officer and sergeants
 

I was very pleased to pick up this image from our favourite online auction site as there were several illuminating elements for my research - and regardless I thought a nice pic!

A question to the group please, I'd love your opinions on the cap badge worn by the officer - specifically what metal do you think it is.

I have a view but will keep my counsel for now.

I have yet to receive the original so the photo is as per the image from the auction, haven't had a chance to rescan at higher res etc.

Look forward to your thoughts.

55 views but no comments so far, so I'll make it a specific question then:

Would you say the officer is wearing a gilt or bronze cap badge?

Very interested to get thoughts and opinions on that.

Thanks!

Greetings.

Bronzed, purely based on the fact that it doesn't appear to shine in the same way that the one worn by the Sergeant does.

Regards.

Brian

It would certainly appear to be OSD bronze, but the collars appear bright. Note also the Sergeants collars appear darker as well, so could the photo be playing tricks on our eyes?

CB

Well spotted CB.

Tricky creatures these camera thingies.:D

Regards.

Brian

Thanks chaps.

The SNCO badges will be gilding metal.

I agree the sun is not helping here!

I have a view but will hold off sharing for a little longer in case any other comments are forthcoming.

Can't help on the badges but I am intrigued by the apparently camouflaged bell tent in the background.

Tim

Yes it's a cracker isn't it! Not seen one myself before, had missed that as was focussed on the badges..

Michael.

Ok, agreed re the probable gilt badge for the SNCO, but equally as shiny are the buttons of all three chaps.

Similar material or brass or something else/

Pesky sun.:D

Regards again.

Brian

OK, my thoughts on this one for critique..

1. The photo is from 1921.
2. SNCO badges will be gilding metal.
3. Officer collars look to be gilt which ties in with records (worn 1919 - 1921).
4. Officer cap badge - that pattern in gilt was also introduced in 1919, but to me the one in the photo looks bronze.

My interest is picqued as hitherto there was no documentary evidence of this style of badge being worn in bronze although I do have a specimen in my collection which looks OK in every aspect.

The officer concerned was commisioned from the ranks, I wonder whether the badge was a private purchase rather than a sealed and approved pattern since we've not seen any other examples of use en masse.

Am conscious that I'd love it to be bronze as that would then be a 'proving' document of its use, but am restraining my enthusiasm - it could be the light etc.. hence wanting other opinions so I don't jump to conclusions of the heart rather than head :-)

Thanks Brian, appreciate that.

Our posts just crossed.

For buttons I can be more definitive as only gilt or GM were used on tunics etc, no bronze, so that gives us some reference against the cap badge (allowing for light, angles etc..)

M