Quote:
Originally Posted by GriffMJ
Hi All
This Motto sold recently for a very high price. I have seen these before in normal Wm. AA and always un-marked and always with a long slider.
Now, the actual "blackened" Motto used by the 17th/21st Lancers during the 1980s (NI) was a white metal (inc. slider) base Motto that was then blackened with what looks like a powder coat. There was a similar "Gun-metal" type made in the same way. The Chrome Mottoes were also made from these Wm. base Mottoes.
So ...... is there any official record of a Black "AA" Motto by Gaunt - or, at the very least, makers marked?
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Hi Griff,
The answer to this question is quite simple no "authorised a/a black motto" by Gaunt or any other manufacturer was ever
officially made. Troopers simply blackened there badges while on active service with any black paint they could get their hands on.
Whether it be from a spray can from the Regiments M.T or Humbrol paint from Woolworths.
This practice was indeed authorised by the M.O.D for Regiments on active service (N.I).
This information is clearly & concisely described in Chapter 20 "subdued badges" in Chris Marsh's Anodised Aluminium: The "No Bull" Cap badge of the British Army.
Chris's book is packed full of information which has been painstakingly researched through official Government records. A must for any serious Motto collector!
However, a black Motto a/a badge does exist! I believe when the Regiment served in Hong Kong an a/a badge may well have been commissioned. This would have been sold in the P.R.I shop in Hong Kong. This Motto was
not an officially produced /sanctioned badge by the M.O.D.
I do believe a fellow Forum member has such an item in his collection?
Regards
Colin