Opinions wanted on unknown Cap Badge
 

I would be grateful for opinions on this lugged badge which is not in Gaylor’s book and which I cannot find on the internet. I attach a picture with another badge to give an indication of size.
Thanks,
Peter

I should have pointed out that the badge that I am referring to is the one on the right, which looks like the Royal Arms surrounded by laurel leaves.
Thanks,
Peter

What you have is a RAOC Conductors, SSM 1st Class or RA Master Gunner 1st Class (with gun badge above) rank or appointment badge worn on the forearms instead of a unit headdress badge, which explains why you won't be able to find it in Gaylor.
Badge on the left is a WWI economy Dorsetshire Regiment headdress badge, but you knew that already.

Rgds, Thomas

The gun is worn below. I know that there are posters booklets and other means that illustrate the badge being worn above, but they are wrong. It was and is worn below the Royal Arms in wreath badge.

Marc

Thank you Marc, made a note in Brian L. Davis' British Army Uniforms & Insignia of World War Two where I got my info from.

Rgds, Thomas

Thanks Thomas and Marc for your information.
What do you mean by SSM 1st Class Thomas?
Thanks,
Peter

Staff serjeant-major 1st class.

Rgds, Thomas

Thanks for your reply Thomas,
You state that it is either one of two different badges. Is there a way of telling which it is?
Thanks,
Peter

This from p. 179 of Badges & Insignia of the British Armed Services by May, Carman & Tanner:
ROYAL ARMS IN WREATH: The new badge of the Royal Arms within a laurel wreath was introduced by Army Order 309 in 1918 for the grade of warrant officer class I which at that time covered conductor, staff-sergeant-major Ist class, schoolmaster Ist class and master-gunner Ist class (with gun). The same appointments continue today except that the schoolmaster has disappeared.

Regarding Marc's post about the gun below, Brian L. Davis p. 20-21 states that the gun was worn above c. 1936 and below c. 1941 and 1944.

Rgds, Thomas

Thanks for that information Thomas.
Peter

As i am now thinking of selling this badge, does anyone have an idea of a guide price for it ?
Thanks,
Peter

Between £5 and £8

Hi Simon,
Thanks for your reply.
I thought that it was one of the rarest rank badges in the British Army, but I was obviously wrong. In fact I think I paid more than that for it when I thought that it was an unusual cap badge.
Well, at least I have been put right!
Thanks,
Peter

Peter,

Its not rare and unfortunately not very collectible.

However thats fortunate for the likes of me who collect these things.:D

I have never paid even a tenner for one in many years of collecting badges worn on the arm of all types.

I wouldnt want to buy it though as its an entry level badge that I acquired donkeys years ago.

regards

Hi Simon,
Thanks for the information. I shall put a modest price on it.
Peter