Gordon Highlanders Long Faced Stag - British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum

Calpe · #1 07-07-23, 04:30 PM

Hi,
Looking for help and opinion please.

I have a one word BYDAND badge with a long faced stag marked FIRMIN. I am not sure if this is an original badge or a copy. The maker's mark is cast and not stamped.

I also have another badge with two words BY DAND with what seems to me a normal stag's head.

Grateful for any opinions on these.

Thank you and regards,

Ian

ukbrits · #2 14-07-23, 08:21 AM

Hi Ian,
In my opinion both badges are indeed good. I believe the " long face" Firmin pattern is generally from an earlier die.
2 nice badges!
Best Regards
Colin

Calpe · #3 14-07-23, 08:36 AM

Hi Colin,
Thank you for your reply. My worry was the difference in stag heads that seemed odd to me. I believe that there is another one word BYDAND with what I call a "normal stag's head". The search continues.
Best regards and grateful for your help,
Ian

bess55 · #4 16-07-23, 12:35 PM

Ian, as far as I believe - there are x2 anodised alluminium variations for The Gordon Highlanders.

The first is with BY DAND over 2 words. This has the fuller faced stag. They are unmarked, but the typical square wire lugs reveals its Gaunt manufacture. I also have a very strange gold error for this badge too.

The second is the 'long faced 'stag with one word BYDAND. This is a FIRMIN made example and these are found both marked and unmarked with a small FIRMIN stamp behind the strap.

So the only example that you are missing potentially is an unmarked FIRMIN long faced stag

All the best

Bess

Calpe · #5 16-07-23, 06:20 PM

Hi Bess,

Thank you for the info and photos. I think the one I am missing is the "normal stag's head" with one word BYDAND. I have seen one in a dealer's online website that I hope to get. My next question is whether there is a "long faced stag" with a two word BY DAND?
Best regards,
Ian

grey_green_acorn · #6 18-07-23, 11:42 AM

For comparison this ia the Gorgon Highlanders badge marketed in the Danbury Mint 'Regiments of the British Army Historic Badge Collection'. With two anodised blades and unmarked but it is understood that badges for the set were made by FIRMIN.

See: https://www.britishbadgeforum.com/fo...p?albumid=1177

Tim

Calpe · #7 18-07-23, 02:16 PM

Hi Tim,
Interesting. Someone I know has the Danbury collection. I have always wondered why they went for the blades. Thank you for the information and photos.
Best regards,
Ian