PPCLI officer's margariette pattern Firmin

[Bill A]

For the record, a PPCLI officers' Firmin made, marguerite style badge, Mazeas M3 may have realized a record value for a PPCLI badge. $1572 Cdn.
It was noted the badge was reportedly purchased by the officers mess circa 1934, and was short lived, being replaced by the VP pattern circa 1936.

[whizzbang]

Hi Bill,

It was a near mint example, beautiful. I've only ever seen two others in my time collecting and the gilt on the Marguerite was worn in both cases.

In terms of PPCLI prices - I think a Marguerite piper's badge went for more a year or two ago?

Cheers, Ian.

[Bill A]

Right Ian. The CEF era pipers' badges are probably more expensive. I haven't seen one for sale in ages.

[Jamesm]

They are indeed nice. Glad I don't need to buy another!!

[Jamesm]

Originally Posted by Bill A

For the record, a PPCLI officers' Firmin made, marguerite style badge, Mazeas M3 may have realized a record value for a PPCLI badge. $1572 Cdn.
It was noted the badge was reportedly purchased by the officers mess circa 1934, and was short lived, being replaced by the VP pattern circa 1936.

One of the things that I am wondering is, are they saying that this type of Marguerite Cap Badge, bi-metal, was first introduced in 1934? I know the Regiment presented Lady Patricia a silver frame with a drawing of her in it, which had a bi-metal Marguerite affixed to the top of the frame. However, the inscription is for March 1921. I'm pretty positive of that as I just looked at it today at the Regimental Museum.

[whizzbang]

Nice collection James, but that box looks a little crowded. Need any help emptying it?

[Jamesm]

Originally Posted by whizzbang

Nice collection James, but that box looks a little crowded. Need any help emptying it?

That box has some bothers and sisters and could use one or two more!

[Bill A]

Hi James, The interpretation I got from the posts was that the badge in question (that pattern, eg Firmin) was the one acquired in 1934-36.

[badjez]

As an aside: on 23.04.45. a demand was submitted to the Ministry of Supply in the UK for 2000 PPCLI cap badges (Canadian CB0053). This contract was placed with JR Gaunt & Son Ltd on 08.06.46. It was amended on 07.02.46. and Gaunt eventually supplied 2048 of these bronze badges.
The contract with Gaunt covered 32 different Canadian regiments and Corps.

Stephen.

[Jamesm]

Hi Bill,

That's what I thought was meant as well. As there is little to no documentation as to when the bi-metal/bi-colour Marguerite's were first issued, I'm wondering how this info could be had? If you look at period photos long enough, you can convince yourself that they were worn during the latter period of the Great War.

Stephen,

Thanks for that info! Would you happen to have any sort of paperwork that shows that? I'll be getting into the PPCLI Archives at some point in time in the future and hope to see if there is any sort of mention of when the different insignia was ordered and worn.

[Bill A]

Hi James, I don't know what documented the conclusions re the the Firmin pattern badge. Certainly, verification would be welcome.

[Bill A]

By bronze badges, are they referring to the VP cypher pattern? Stephen, Would it be possible to provide the list of badges procured from Gaunt under that contract?

[Roy]

Hi Gents,

A truly fascinating and informative thread. Thank you to all who have contributed.

I was offered a nice sterling cap/collar set a while badge. This was the VP pattern, can I ask when this pattern was introduced?

Cheers, Roy.

[Bill A]

Hi Roy, the VP cypher pattern badge was authorized by GO 113/33 (1933). It would be at some point after that that the badges would have been taken into wear.

[Jamesm]

Just to add to the Firmin badges, here are two styles that they had. One style is bi-metal and the other is bi-coloured. The bi-coloured one has the ghost outline of the the Firmin maker mark.