I would imagine that several thousand of the Middlesex badge would have been made. Rather like the Essex and South Lancs. My theory being based on the fact that despite Haig and Haldane's reforms of the TF recruitment remained high but retention low up until 1914. Units were frequently only at two thirds strength at the outbreak of war and the average length of service was only 18months. Soldiers, even Territorials, hang onto their cap badge when they leave. Recruitment for the TA went through the roof in 1914/5, John Tucker and Aubrey Smith make this point in their memoirs and the doors had to be shut for a while to the LRB. It therefore makes sense that badges would have been in demand even if we cannot prove that there was a shortage of them hence makers stepping forward as need demanded. Further to this units such as the LRB and the Artists recruited from a select section of society. Aubrey Smith frequently mentions private purchase items but sadly not badges! The private purchase items he made would have been a distant dream for the men of many regiments recruited from less affluent backgrounds.
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