[2747andy]

Mike,
as Alan has already pointed out, the first ORs pattern badges following "Options for Change" were anodised aluminium, both shown below. Made by Firmins, the smaller pattern intended for Senior Ranks (Sgts to WO). The Regiment did not like it as the detail was hard to make out. Firmin came up with a possible solution and brought out an A/A badge with coloured enamel in an attempt to "highlight" the detail, as far as I know this was only in the Junior Ranks larger pattern. There was also a new alloy type badge (marked FIRMIN). The Firmin solution was rejected and the Regiment decided at their own expense to adopt the officer quality badges, "All" ranks wearing the larger badge in the Forage (Dress) cap and by junior ranks in the beret. Officers and Senior ranks wearing the officers collar badge (flag to the right) in their berets and SD caps. The LB&B examples can be found in plain whitemetal and with coloured enamel, but these are probably a "Collectors Market" production as they are not in general wear by the Regiment! (sorry for the glare, images taken with aid of a flash)..

Andy