[TWGB]

Rob,

I'm not a fan, I'm afraid.

The one you found on eBay does look better, but I'm not really sure about it, either. That said, it is identical to the one I have had in my collection for twenty-something years, and that one was already well patinated when I got it.

What all these badges have in common is a small flaw on the dot between the 'R' and the 'V'. Older badges have just a tiny hair-like flaw, heading up from the dot. Newer badges have a much bigger flaw, which seems consistent with die wear as more badges are produced. The lessening of definition of the lion also fits this picture; there are a lot of RVTC badges out there!

If this holds true, the question is whether all the badges are fakes, or a few are original and the majority restrikes. Until someone can produce a well-provenance version, the jury has to remain out...

If someone on the forum has the Hugh King badge that appeared in K&K, that might help?

Best regards,

Tim