Paddy, thanks for taking my view in the spirit that it was meant.
We always say "never say never" so I have to keep playing Devil's Advocate on this one.
My greatest problem with this is not whether either piece is genuine, most likely they are. My big problem is the soft solder and the amount of it, a totally amateur job poorly executed.
Where were they made? In the field? Of course not, there weren't people in the trenches joining two badges together so the RN Machine gunners could go and fight!?
Having not really ever pursued this one before I have vague recollections of statements claiming these badges were made in Devonport Dockyard. If this is the case then there is even less argument for soft solder.
I don't have a horse in this race so all opinions and findings are interesting.
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