Bad Hallmark on Scottish Badge

[Jeffweil]

Thanks guys. I will give negative feedback on Etsy (not EBay).
As a new collector in the US - where British badges are rarely seen - I am fine with paying for return postage of a few pounds to learn a valuable lesson. I doubt that any collector can honestly say he never bought a bad badge when he started collecting. That is why forums like this are useful to share information and knowledge in a friendly, helpful manner.
Thanks again for all the comments.

[Frank Kelley]

Indeed, if bought from a seller here, Trading Standards would be the first port of call, they enforce the Hallmarking Act.

Originally Posted by manchesters

Thirded - but not to ebay!!

regards

[Jeffweil]

Thanks Frank

[fougasse1940]

Originally Posted by Alex Rice

Even a reference book won't give you this info, at least not one I have ever seen.

I beg to differ, see the following:

K&K 'Head-dress badges of the British Army' Vol. 2 chapter 4 "Infantry of the Line: Officers" p. 41:
The Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment)
Shako
In silver the Star of the Order of the Thistle. On the Star a silver horn. In the centre of the horn the monogram HLI in gilt or gilding-metal. Above the horn in gilt or gilding metal a crown with crimson enamel. Below the horn a scroll, in gilt or gilding-metal, inscribed Assaye; under the scroll in gilt or gilding-metal the Elephant. A black boss is worn with a gilt thistle mount.

White F.S. Helmet, Glengarry cap and Tam o' Shanter bonnet.
As for shako, but without the boss.

Edwards 'Regimental badges' p. 242:
The Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment)
The Star of the Order of the Thistle, thereon a bugle horn; in the twist of the horn the monogram "HLI"; above the horn a crown, and below it an Elephant superscribed "Assaye" on a scroll. For officers the star and horn are in silver plate, the monogram, crown, elephant and "Assaye" are in gilt or gilding metal. The Crown has a crimson cap. For other ranks the wholoe in white metal.

Bloomer 'Badges of the Highland and Lowland regiments' p.55-56 centre left:
The Highland Light Infantry Officers Glengarry & Shako Badge Silver & Gilt Imperial Crown 1901 - 1952.

Bloomer 'Scottish Regimental Badges' p. 28 # 168:
The Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment) officer's, 1953-1959, silver and gilt.

There is no all silver badge mentioned in any of the above. Diligent shopping might have netted you all the quoted books for your GBP 60, or , conversely, one could ask the forum members here who did go to the trouble of investing in reference books.

Rgds, Thomas.

[Alex Rice]

Hi Thomas
I meant the detail of how to identify a bad hallmark. The various books generally describe the standard pattern regular army badges but there are lots of variations with Militia and Territorial units, so it is difficult to know them all.
Cheers,
Alex