Hello

[KingHouse]

Hi everybody,

Just a quick introduction.

I was recently at Leeds Armed Forces day and there was this chap there with this impressive collection of Cap Badges that blew my mind away.

I had never for one moment even thought it possible or considered that somebody might be interested in collecting cap badges.

So this is what sparked my interest, I have a few questions I would like to ask.

Do we collection genuine issue or replica cap badges?

What methods do we use to source them of genuine issue?

Should I look to just generally collect all and any, or concentrate on a period of time, brigade or type like Cavalry Reg's?

Is there a directory for cap badges or books I can use to reference?

How do we authenticate genuine issue if we are not collecting replicas?

Regards.

[grenadierguardsman]

Welcome to the Forum. I think most members only like to collect original badges, but may use FAKES as gap fillers.
You can collect to whatever Regiment/Corps you wish. Family that have served or even yourself.
There is a list of Reference books top right of the Forum home page, as you will find out many members have books published by there good selves.
Good luck
Andy

[gb64]

Welcome to the Forum, this is the best place to learn and get help on collecting cap and all things badges, as Andy said the home page has a good list of information books. Its only 100% badges for me,i used to keep the dud ones in as gap fillers but now I just chuck them in a box. What type or Regt you want to collect well the choice is yours, but if there's one thing I've learnt is you'll never have them all !! but its great fun tryingthere are good dealers and sellers of 100% genuine badges on the Forum & EBay & on-line ill drop you a PM regarding my thoughts on the ones I use.

Gerard

[cga00]

Hello Kinghouse, welcome to the forum & indeed to the world of badge collecting. I'm glad to see that the efforts of the guy you saw at Leeds has sparked your in interest and if he's a member of the forum, reading this, he must be thrilled.
Nice to see you putting thought into what you want to collect - I'm a bit of a magpie, and can tell you that this can lead to many boxes of what my better half calls 'junk'. So, find an area of interest, use some reference books and then see what you want to buy.
A word of warning though, as your collection grows you will find that the price of those badges you haven't yet aquired tends to climb.

[Sonofacqms]

The world of badge collecting is one that is both interesting and complicated, what to collect?

I started as a five year old with my Father's WWII Royal Engineers cap badge and soon became a magpie collecting anything and everything. In the 1950's there were lots of Government surplus shops selling everything from boots to badges and I quickly spent my pocket money on metal and cloth badges.

However, this paradise that existed had very few references on badges and I was very much in the dark identifying new acquisitions. Now with the books available and the help of this forum a new collector should be able to gain knowledge that I only dreamed of back in those days.

Happy collecting . . !

Rob

[2747andy]

A warm welcome and always good to see new collectors starting out, but beware it is addictive once you get bitten so don't rush!

Get yourself a copy of Military Badge Collecting by John Gaylor, they're about £10 on eBay, not 100% accurate but probably the BEST publication for a newbie!

Please don't be tempted to buy reproductions as "Gap Fillers", as this just encourages the fakers to produce more (in my opinion)! If you cannot get a real example then just put a photocopy or cutting in its place, that way kind relatives may splash out or contribute to help replace the clip with the real deal!

Try to pick a specific field, perhaps a local or family connection, Cavalry badges are probably the most expensive to collect apart from Volunteers and some more obscure units!

Most people start by putting together a collection of WW1 Infantry badges, they are still quite easy to acquire, won't cost you the earth and will quench your appetite whilst you consider a specific field!

Top Tips - Don't rush, don't always believe a description when it says 100% Genuine as this is more than often no so! Finally enjoy your new found hobby and spend time searching the Forum and the albums, as if you have a question, someone has probably asked it in the past, so the answers may be in old threads! Just use the search functions!

All the best

Andy

[ubervamp]

Hi

Some great advice here!
I started with WW1 infantry, and as I learnt more, found myself drawn to more specific areas. Books are invaluable, as is the amount of knowledge amongst members here!
Don't be afraid to ask questions

Happy collecting

Colin

[2747andy]

........ And if you do ask questions don't be put off if the odd Victory Meldrew offers a reply! There's all sorts amongst the members, the majority are more than willing to help, but some still treat the hobby as if they were MI5 ��

Andy

[mooke07]

Welcome to the Forum,

My advice to add to the sensible ones is to review the badges in members albums and learn about the deep regimental knowledge and interests of members. It will fill your mind with ideas for your collecting and the extent to which you wish to research them. It is a great way to learn at your leisure, cheers Dean.

[KingHouse]

Wow, so many great welcomes and advice for a rookie.

So for example could i start out if I wanted collecting the badges of the Army Contingent of the 82 Falklands Task Force? Would that be a good place to start, or should if be something more general? ie current formations(divisions/brigades)?


Will deffo get a copy of John Gaylors book.

As for the Meldrews, well I have fairly thick skin so I grumpus wont upset me.

King Regards
Mike.

[mooke07]

Sounds like an excellent place to start Mike. Members will assit with units that served. You would find this a good starting point http://www.fireandfury.com/orbats/fa...at_britain.pdf

The SBS badges etc may be harder to obtain as Special Forces badges are generally highly desirable badges.

When I lived in the UK one of my sales managers was ex-SAS and had served there with the SBS. He hadn't kept a single badge from his service.

Cheers Dean.

[KingHouse]

Thanks a bunch Dean, that will prove to be very valuable.

A few questions however, those squadrons like 59 Commando Field Squadron, RE, 29 Commando Regiment, RA, 9 Parachute Field Squadron RE, would they be cap badged to Commando/Para or their Parent Corps?

[KingHouse]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Military-Bad...A1FZOOUA8MZG8K

I just bought it, I can't wait to get started.

Where do you folks look to pick them up?(badges)

[gb64]

Originally Posted by KingHouse

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Military-Bad...A1FZOOUA8MZG8K

I just bought it, I can't wait to get started.

Where do you folks look to pick them up?(badges)

Hello Mike,
PM sent, might be of help

Gerard

[Mike B]

Hello Kinghouse

Regarding your questions ...

Research is vital to get the best out of your new hobby - beware it is gripping and will probably become an obsession! Research will guide you, give you satisfaction and ultimately save you money. We all learn lessons all the time, I have collected for decades and have lots to learn. Your chosen area is wise, and hopefully should prove inexpensive - at least to start with.

Good computer skills are helpful (which I lack) - do not forget the power of the resource and access it provides

I believe the answer to your question is parent unit headdress badges - with suitable qualification badges - here is a later image of one of the units you enquire about - from the internet - to get you started

Don't forget to 'Search' this forum for information to.

http://www.itv.com/news/westcountry/...m-29-commando/

There are a few societies you could join to - Military Heraldry Society, Military Historical Society, etc etc - again look them up on the internet to see what appeals to you.

Here are a few links - not checked out

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Britis..._Falklands_War

http://www.militariarg.com/task-force.html

I am sure there was a poster or tea towel which had relevant insignia on - I just looked on eBay (use with care as lots of fake insignia) but couldn't spot one - keep looking as one should turn up somewhere.

Good hunting

Mike