[Bill A]

Using Ken's book, Into the Maelstrom, the images on page 96 show authentic brass Cdn Para badges. Note that the flaws in the clouds at the base of the shroud lines are visible, but there is no apparent damage as extensive as that shown in the feather tips as in the badge imaged by Oliver. The same is true of the reverse of the examples. The texture appears to be part of the striking to my eyes, and not the effect of a wash. In addition to using the images in Ken's book, I compared Oliver's badge to my examples. This was the basis of my skepticism.
Ken's narrative indicates that only two manufacturers are on record as contracted to make the badge. That was Breadner and Roden Bros. No other contracts were let. Bill, sub-contracting is a possibility, but to whom? Canadian production facilitites were near or at capactiy and there were not numerous firms available to take on the work. The number of Canadian firms capable of making badges can likely be counted on less than ten fingers.
On a different tangent, I am not sure why such a cachet is attached to the brass Cdn Para Corps badges. It was also noted that the brass badges were not likely issued until the end of hostilities. (One story relates that the brass badges were literally thrown out to the battalion at one of their last parades in the UK.) 1 Cdn Para Battalion was the first unit to be repatriated to Canada and most personnel were back in Canada by mid June 1945. Why mention this? If one wants a badge representative of the one worn by the unit when operational, it is the plastic variety that should be in the collection.
With the plethora of reproductions out on the market, I would pass on this example and wait to get an example that I am sure is copasetic.