[manchesters]

Chris,

People are reluctant to comment on the originality or otherwise of pre 1881 glengarry badges as there have been so many fakes produced, from the 100 year old ones that David mentions to several varieties of modern day fakes.

There are arguements that North and South loops are correct/incorrect similarly east and west. There are also arguements over Brass loops v Copper loops, brass loops being the favoured ones.

Many copies are simple to see at first glance due to wrong colours, worn dies and overall shoddy manufacture.

Real ones are very hard to tell from photographs and and need to be in the hand. The majority of forum members have little or no knowledge of such early badges, the majority being WW1 , WW2 and modern badge collectors.

I have some knowledge having collected Victorian badges but wouldnt now give an opinion having been shot down in the past by owners/sellers who are convinced they have the genuine article.

My best rule is to think of the following.

1. Is it of such excellent manufacture that was expected from craftsmen in the 1870's etc.

2. Has it got patina and dirt and wear consistent with being 150 years old?

Hope thats informative if not helpful

regards