DumDum and I have discussed this off line, but worth repeating here, I think.
One theory is they could have been for servicemen who had joined in 1916, but were yet to be inducted into the army. 1916 was a hot time to be 'out of uniform' and as DD noted, many of the round gov "service" badges were issued around then as well, so that makes sense.
Maybe this particular one was converted to a sweetheart badge, in a similar manor the Liverpool Pals silver badges were, or adapted post war to wear around.
In any event, it appears to me to be spot on, just with the different date. And like Mick, I have never seen another, so I am guessing it's very rare.
Cheers, Tim
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