Mystery badge

[mm1]

Hi All,

can anyone tell me what this badge is please. Some connection to order of the bath ?? Nice quality in white metal measures 65mm high..

Cheers, Mark

[mike_vee]

There are a couple of threads about this badge , here is one to start with.

https://www.britishbadgeforum.com/fo...iddlesex+shako


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[Luke H]

It’s a Martin Marsh fantasy badge in my belief.

[mm1]

Many thanks for replies. Luke - it never fails to amaze me why someone would go to such lengths to produce a badge that doesn't officially exist(apart from to make a few quid obviously) - they would have to produce a die,manufacture the badge using materials that would closely match those used in genuine badge manufacture then advertise them and hope to sell enough to cover the costs ! Crazy !!

Mark

[Luke H]

Here it is in the catalogue.

Your post reminded me I’d not checked his list containing descriptions. It is described as a ‘Middlesex Regiment Cross Belt Badge 1815-1830’ and available in both WM and brass. In the price list I’ve got both varieties were TOS (Temporarily Out of Stock), so they must’ve been popular.

I’ve no idea whether the design resembles any CBP (or part of) actually worn by the regiment. Goes without saying the materials used, method of manufacture, type and position of fixings etc. are all totally incorrect and miles away from an item dating to the early 1800s.

The fact there are so many threads on here about this fantasy badge partly account for its commercial success. Many collectors like a mystery item to ponder, buy first and ask questions later. Presumably those ordering direct from MM did so as they perceived such a CPB (should it exist) as beyond their means.

A mystery solved.

[mm1]

Excellent Luke and much appreciated. Took a punt on it on ebay and was only a few quid(shipping was more than the badge)so not much ventured, but a bit of knowledge gained !

many thanks, Mark

[Luke H]

Nothing ventured, nothing gained as they say!

Courtesy of Mike Vee’s link was another linked thread where the much missed Jeff McWilliam identified the design as part of an officer’s SBP to the 57th Regiment of Foot dating 1830-60. His post suggests this was an officer’s design and that ORs wore a brass SBP with a laurel enclosing the numerals 57 below a QVC surmounted by a scroll inscribed with the Peninsula battle honour.

https://www.britishbadgeforum.com/fo...54&postcount=5

The genuine item was evidentially very finely fretted and enamelled in gilt. His picture attached below.

[mm1]

Cheers Luke,

this one destined for the junk box which is getting fuller by the week ! Anyway, had a result on it - full refund..

Mark

[Luke H]

In technicolour.

Really quite stunning.

[Fatherofthree]

Greetings.

As Luke has explained very well, the badge is indeed a fake and is often seen on ebay with various descriptions, most of which elude to something worn by a predecessor unit of The Middlesex Regiment, (57th Foot) as implied by the Battle Honours.

If my memory serves me well, I believe I have seen it attributed to The Middlesex Regiment band.

The nearest badge that I know of that is similar in appearance, as worn by any unit with Middlesex connections, is a silver pouch belt plate worn by 3rd Middlesex Rifle Volunteers.

3rd Officer's Pouch Belt Plate c. 1880-98 F.jpg 3rd Officer's Pouch Belt Plate c. 1880-98. R.jpg

I suspect the fake item was designed in the way it was to give the impression that it was a genuine item to a Middlesex unit.

Regards.

Brian