Hi Michael
I agree, printed Chindit badges appear far less frequently than embroidered, and the embroidered appear in a wide wide range of locally made variations. The printed version is a bit of an enigma.
I am not an expert on 'degrading' or 'mottling' of cloth, but wonder about the marks on the reverse of the one illustrated?
I acknowledge there is no sign of wear on this badge and, like you, can not recall seeing a photograph of the printed version in wear.
The collector you refer to may have a point. Wrongly or rightly I have associated 'mottling' of insignia with Far Eastern etc climate, but this is just supposition on my part.
Mike
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