Northants HP restoration - British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum

EwanWhite · #1 28-02-23, 11:54 PM

G'day there,

I'm in the process of restoring a Northamptonshire Regiment Helmet plate that I recently acquired.

Does anyone know whether the black backing material used would be velvet or felt?

The long and the short of it is, the helmet plate was originally attached to a helmet, however, both were charred when the previous owner's military antiques shop caught fire.

I've just gotten it back from the electroplaters who did a sterling job re-finishing something that had been languishing in a drawer for many years and that was extremely crusty. The silver plate should tarnish and tone down over the next little while.

Any thoughts/advice is greatly appreciated,

Alexander

billy · #2 01-03-23, 06:33 AM

You have really brought that back from the Dead! Stunning a nice restoration!

Enjoy it, billy

tonyb · #3 01-03-23, 08:03 AM

Very nice.
Tony.

3dg · #4 01-03-23, 08:07 AM

A superb professional job, looks good as newly issued
Nice

Chris

Hawthorn · #5 01-03-23, 10:32 AM

Alexander,

If you get a chance can you show a picture of the reverse too please.

Regards, Simon.

Volunteer Soldier · #6 01-03-23, 10:47 AM

Some time ago I acquired an officer's Northamptonshire KC HP. The plate was in VG condition except for the backing to the central device ( castle and battle honour.) Very carefully I took the plate apart to find a circle of worn and stained black velvet. Without success I tried to find a piece of similar black velvet (the internet, eBay, dress shops and antiques dress shops). AND THEN I turned to the Forum. A gentleman member from Canada replied to say that he had a smallish amount of original, Victorian black velvet. Without further ado he sent a small piece to me refusing to accept even the cost of postage. The plate now looks superb. I tried black felt but it clearly looked out of place. Obviously I cannot be sure that plates originally had velvet backing - but mine did and thanks to a Forum member I am 100% content. I recommend you use black velvet from the Victorian period. But that, of course, is only my view thanks to a most generous Canadian. Forum member. Bless him.

colin 17 · #7 01-03-23, 01:40 PM

According to dress regulations it shows that the backing should be black velvet. I think I still have some left if you cant find any.

Colin

Home Guard · #8 01-03-23, 05:12 PM

Sad to read about the fire, but agree with previous posts - very nice now!!!

Terry

grenadierguardsman · #9 01-03-23, 06:01 PM

Outstanding.
Andy

bess55 · #10 01-03-23, 07:57 PM

Blimey mate - fair play, that is fantastic!

mooke07 · #11 02-03-23, 10:02 AM

A cracking result Alex and when you first showed me it in its fire blackened condition I did think you were out on a limb. Cheers Dean

EwanWhite · #12 03-03-23, 04:29 AM

Many thanks for all your encouragement and feedback, 'tis most definitely appreciated.

I managed to find a piece of black velvet from a local craft shop (after traipsing my way across much of Canberra), and as such it looks a bit more complete. Definitely more satisfied than I was with the felt.

Simon, I've attached an image of the back of all three parts. While the back of the star is still a tad crusty, it still took the gilding well.

I'm very much looking forward to having this plate for a while, at least until the silvering mellows a bit and the fine lines start to show through. Should go well with the rest of my little collection.

All the best,
Alexander

Mercian · #13 03-03-23, 11:34 AM

A pleasure to see good work.

Borderer · #14 03-03-23, 03:08 PM

Hi Alexander,

That's a Lovely piece of restoration work which has brought the plate back to life.

I can confirm it was velvet, see pictures, when I took my helmet plate off my helmet I was surprised and thrilled to see the impression of Edinburgh castle like a ghost image on the velvet behind the centre piece badge, endorsing its authenticity as it would have took decades to leave such an impression.

warm wishes
Hiram