Two-part cross belt badges
 

Can anyone enlighten me on cross belt/shoulder plate badges made of a two-part construction? I am posting this in a general military enquiries section as there may be some cross-over here, although the specific badge in question is constabulary.

The following is a shoulder plate badge made of a white metal upper (with brass harp affixed to centre); but the upper is affixed to a brass lower part made from the same die. The edges have been chamfered to fit exactly. I have seen this construction in other (in fact all) badges of this particular pattern and period of the Irish Constabulary.

My questions are: (a) is this construction replicated in any other military badge examples and (B) what would be the reasoning behind doing this?

I've got dozens of belt plates but I've never seen one like this before, it seems to be a pointless exercise and a waste of labour and material if one of the plates is invisible?

Exactly. Six fixing pins had to be attached to the upper, and corresponding holes drilled in the lower, then the fixing posts added. I can only assume it was to strengthen the badge but I would have thought a flat backing plate would have been better.

Peter, lovely badge, constructed for weight? used for some other purpose? saddle cloth perhaps? just thoughts. Regards Mark