Andy, I would suggest early 1960's with the Gaunt London mark, generally thought to be earlier than the Birmingham mark. Mine attached for comparison.
The brass slider used on the anodised badge by Gaunt, is also seen on The Queens Regt - Gaunt Bham. As The Queens Regiment came into being in 1966, it would be reasonably safe to assume the Welsh Guards example may be slightly earlier, albeit a couple of years.
Also found on the Royal Engineets and REME cap badges by Gaunt, but the Welsh Guards I believe is the only 'folded over' and riveted brass slider by Gaunt, the others are as the Queens Regt attached.
Grove also used the brass and riveted slider (or whichever term you wish to use) who also favoured the folded over design - seen on some early infantry regiment cap badges and the first pattern Army Catering Corps.
Hope that helps.
Bess
|