Fake Royal Scots Badge - Or Very Polished?

[Reid10]

Gentlemen,

I hate to post questions so close to each other, because I do not want to seem like I am taking advantage of your expertise. Plus, I try to do my own research first. However, in this case I was not able to find a definitive answer on my own. (and I did several searches on this forum!)

I have seen multiple versions of the Royal Scots Regiment cap badge. Some have crisp details, while others look like St. Andrew was dropped on his face a few times. (See attached) Sadly he always looks a bit mutated (no disrespect intended).

Did soldiers in the regiment polish their cap badges, and does this account for the loss of detail? This is an answer I would like to know beyond determining what is a fake or not. Something to put in my collecting kit bag.

Regards,

Reid