Unusual badges
 

I have 3 unusual badges to ask members for their opinions on please

1. Silver QVC KOSB but with gilt wash on crown, wreath and writing. I bought this from Bosley about 10 years ago and very dirty so the gilt did not show until gently cleaned. I rang Bosley who had not realised this and he just said "Probably for a senior officer"? Has anyone else got one like this?

2. Silver 9th Lancers with gilt crown and top to pennons ex Hugh King. Also bought from Bosley about 10 years ago - he said he had never seen one before.

3. Cast nickel and brass Officers Royal Dragoons but with reverse metals - i.e. brass title. It is beautifully made with fur on the lion and correct looking lugs and looks too well made for a fake and no casting flaws. Although I have 2 QVC Officers RDs both by Bent & Parker, I have never found a Kings Crown version

Denis,

3 unusual badges as you say, all original I agree, however are you sure the 9th Lancers and possibly the KOSB have not been gold painted rather than gilt applied?

Have you tried nitromoors to check?

regards

I must say they don't look gold painted to me, perhaps they've been done by a jeweller for someone.

Superb badges, but strange coloring. I don't know how the gilding was applied, particularly on the KOSB, nor why.

CB

King's Own Scottish Borderers
 

You have the officer's Forage Cap badge which is quite rare.

The description from the Dress Regulations for 1891.

"In gilt metal, a Thistle wreath; within the wreath a circle pierced with the designation "The King's Own Scottish Borderers". Above the Circle, a scroll surmounted by the Royal Crest. The scroll pierced with the motto, "In veritate religionis confido". Over the circle the Cross of St. Andrew in burnished silver, on the Cross the Castle of Edinburgh in silver. On the wreath at the bottom. a scroll in gilt metal with the motto, in relief, "Nisi dominus frustra"."

Map32

KOSB
 

Thank you all for your replies. Map 32, thank you for your information from Dress Regs which explains that badge and I would never have found that info myself. Simon, thank you for the tip on testing gilt with Nitromors. I tested a small bit on the back and was relieved to see no paint came off but the gilt just shone a bit brighter!

I had hoped someone would have come up with an explanation for the very odd Royal Dragoons but no comments so far?

Hi Denis, I have an other ranks cap badge in reverse metals, which I have had for a very long time. I believe the Royal Crest was originally meant to be in white metal following the NCOs arm badge but was decided against in the end. I am now convinced of this now an officers version has turned up. They are obviously samples that have managed to escape into market. Jim Lees

Reversed metals Royal Dragoons
 

Hi Jim,
How interesting you have an ORs version which I have never seen before and thanks for sending photos. As the QVC was gilt, I wonder at what stage they were thinking of switching? Have you ever seen an officer's silver/gilt kings crown? I have never seen one in more than 30 years of looking.
Regards. Denis

Royal Dragoons
 

Hi Denis, I have a KC silver/gilt officers cap badge but I must have purchased near 40 years ago from a dealer called David Young. Some older members may remember him. He got a lot of his badges from Wallis & Wallis & actually died of a heart attack at Lewes Station after a sale. I will do a photo for you after tea. Jim

.... That 1RD Officers is a belter :) Very nice.

Royal Dragoons
 

Hi Denis, Photos of my KC Officers Cap Badge. The silver loops have been replaced. When I bought the badge it never had any fitting & I nearly turned it down. Jim

Royal Dragoons
 

Hi Jim,
Thanks for sending photos of this rare badge and how well the loops have been mended - was this Warren Butcher who does all mine? Well, I will still keep looking hopefully for this and the 13th Hussars Officers which has also eluded me. Sadly, I never met David Young. Regards Denis

Royal Dragoons
 

Hi Denis, The new silver loops were completed by our silversmith when I worked for Harrods & that was nearly 40 years ago - how time flies! If you are ever inclined to part with your officers badge I could give it a good home.

Royal Dragoons
 

Hi Jim
No wonder the loops look so good!! I will certainly keep you in mind if I ever give up collecting. Regards Denis