stokes & sons Melbourne australia title date

[JerryBB]

is an Australia curved title maker marked STOKES & SONS MELBOURNE from WWI?

[fromelles]

Hi Jerry,

I'll give your question a go...

Unlike your Tiptaft which is most definitely correct WW1 period, I think the best you can say is the Stokes most definitely could be. I have a lot in my collection and will need to had another look, but I don't recall see 'Melbourne' spelt out in full but doubt if that would support it being from any particular period.

Other than there being a lot of them around, another reason why Stokes manufactured badges are relatively cheap compared to British manufactured badges is because no one can definitely say if it was made during WWI, WWII or anytime in between, which then creates doubt. There are all sorts of theories on how to tell the difference, but none I'd say that are foolproof.

Dan

[kingsley]

Both very scarce varieties and I would assume WW1 (otherwise the Stokes title would be more common). I have had a lot of these titles over the years, but not either one of these.

[JerryBB]

Thanks for responding Kingsley and Dan.

My logic on the full spelling of Melbourne being great war is that is, I believe, the case for the rising sun badges.

Jerry

[MartinRF]

RAA-20220624_142640.jpg

RAA-20220624_142624.jpg

I am not certain that having the full lettering of "MELBOURNE" on a Stokes & Sons. badge means that it is of WW1 vintage - here is an example of a contracted "MELB" on a WW1 RAA title...(8{