On War Service 1915 badge
 

Hi

I found a newspaper item about the 1915 OWS badge that mentions the introduction of the brass version calling it "a replica of that hitherto issued by the War Office without the enamel".

It further states that it was only to be issued to "skilled workmen engaged in war work- draughtsmen, technical assistants supervising staff and all skilled and semi-skilled workmen whose services are indispensable, but not unskilled workmen"

Probably all well-known stuff to those with an interest but it is nice to see how it was viewed at the time.

I have quoted from the article as I wasn't sure that it was going to upload....

Interesting and useful little article.
Cheers
James

Thanks , have downloaded it to add to my folder and will add basic details to my OWS album.


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That is very interesting, as it does clearly imply that the enamelled badges were the first issued.

Great article, but I note many of us here may be liable for the £50 fine for buying and selling the badge....

Cheers, Tim

The change from enamelled to plain brass badges was assumed to be purely an economy/cost cutting exercise but the article seems to imply that initially the enamelled version was not issued to 'basic' workers.

From the enamelled badges I have seen (and info I've read) there appears to have been only one issue/series (99,999) all made by Gaunt , so is it possible that these were for managers/foremen ?

The later decision to issue a badge to all (except unskilled) workers would have been costly and would require a cheaper version. This also resulted in the addition of a 'lettering' system with a different letter used for each series (99,999 per letter) and various different manufacturers (13 series made by 8 manufacturers).

There was also a 'silvered'/nickle version made , possibly for managers/foremen when the enamelled version was discontinued.


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I'd end up paying £150 as I have the enamelled , plain and silver versions ! :eek:


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Yes but what's that in today's money a hundred years later ��

hmmm, yes....I'd better go see my bank manager

The can still be had for surprisingly little, I found this example earlier this year in a local antique shop for very considerably less than you would expect from ebay.
Not something that I'd normally give a second glance at, but, as it was so cheap, I bought it.

That's a lovely example Frank. I agree, eBay sellers seem to regard them as very rare, and price them accordingly, and while they are not plentiful, they are certainly not rare either.

Cheers, Tim

Well, to be quite honest, the photograph does not do it justice, it has been worn, it does have a patina, but, the enamel shines and the colours are vivid.
People in general want far too much for them these days, but, you know I just thought it was nice when I saw it.
You still see plenty of all the various On War Service badges at provincial antique shops and fairs, I don't bother to look really, but, perhaps I should at least take note of the marks on the reverse as well as how much is being sought and maybe start a small collection.
After all, it is often the size of a particular sides industrial output that wins a campaign, so these are certainly more significant badges than many would think, sadly, I have to admit, including me.:eek:

Be careful Frank , they are addictive ! :D


I started out with one basic official 1915 badge but then 'had' to get the 1914 and 1916 badges.

Then discovered there was an "enrollment" badge (War Munitions Volunteer) that was was issued to workers waiting for placement in factories so 'had' to get that one.

Next was to get the enamelled versions of the 1915 and "enrollment" badges.

After that it was to get a nickle/silver 1915 badge and a slightly different 1916 badge (rounded corners).

https://www.britishbadgeforum.com/fo...p?albumid=4155

And I have hardly even scratched the surface of the numerous variations of these badges. :eek:


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Oh my word - I fear the use of the word “addictive” is perhaps a little too mild. Perhaps ‘compelling, compulsive and addictive to the point of insanity’ would be nearer the truth. Should one be foolish enough to stray from the ‘Official issue’ badges into the temptations of the plethora of ‘unofficial issue badges’ then I fear there is little hope and you will have reached the point of no return. Beware and be strong!
Cheers
James

The latest medical terminology for the condition is :

COD + CHIPS ! :confused:

Compulsive Obsessive Disorder with Comprehensive Hoarding of Insignia Purchased Secretly :D



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