British Imperial Crown rank badges

[11th Armoured]

Hello, I wonder if anyone can help out with a couple of queries I have about a pair of recently-acquired rank crowns?

Firstly (& I apologise in advance if any of this is blatently obvious, but I still consider myself to be very much a novice to this whole badge collecting lark ), how would you categorise the material they're made from? Is it gilding metal, or is it gilt-something?

Also, does the felt backing/inlay have any significance - would these be worn 'in the field', or would they be restricted to dress uniform, for example?

Finally, is there any difference to crowns worn during the First World War (on shoulder rank jackets, obviously) compared to those worn in the Second, or in the early 1950s?


Thanks in advance,

Kevin

[manchesters]

Kevin,

These are Gilt Officers rank badges worn on the No. 1 Blue uniform.
The red backing is standard, although Rifle Regiments could have green or black.

They were used from 1901 to 1953 on the appropriate uniform.

In WW1 everyone was in SD so Bronze metal was generally used.

regards

[11th Armoured]

Originally Posted by manchesters

Kevin,

These are Gilt Officers rank badges worn on the No. 1 Blue uniform.
The red backing is standard, although Rifle Regiments could have green or black.

They were used from 1901 to 1953 on the appropriate uniform.

In WW1 everyone was in SD so Bronze metal was generally used.

regards

Cheers Simon, very much appreciated