Few off the list…

[dubaiguy]

Luke

Ahh, now I know where you got the Rutland oddity from........! I agree it does have some resemblance to the Gaunt(?) marked one shown by Andy Plewa years ago. If my memory serves I think his feeling was it was the only correct die. Though I certainly hope he is wrong and the variant with the 'die-flaw tick' at the base of the horseshoe is also in with a chance (Bosley's think so for what it's worth).

Some nice VB pick ups and like Simon I haven't seen the SLI before. I hope you managed to negotiate some discount with Mr Smith for such a large and interesting haul...............

Thank you for showing Luke.
Mark

[3dg]

Originally Posted by Luke H

Yes it is. Here you go.

I’m sure David won’t mind me using his pics, my photography couldn’t do it justice.

Thank you Luke, another to get hold of!
What dates wise would you put on this badge please?

Chris

[Alan O]

Unusual to be one piece. The VB generally wore FSC with no badges or collars. They did start to wear slouch hats post 1901 and just before they became TF some wore Brodricks and post 1905 peaked caps.

The 1905 scrolls were added in 1905 after the SA Battlehonours were awarded so only had 3 years of wear.

Alan

[Luke H]

Thanks Mark. It’s unusual but I felt in with a chance. As you know it didn’t cost much so no sleep lost either way, David is always very helpful and kind.

Also I’m totally certain the ones with the hairline flaw are genuine. Not forgetting the member who advertised in the local paper and was contacted then gifted one such badge by an ex-Rutland HG man.

[Luke H]

The KOSB is on an early long-slider, so in my belief pre-1906.

Here it is stood next to a 1st V.B. Royal West Kent (tip of the hat to Simon for that one).

[Luke H]

Yes Alan it must date 1905-08 so very short lived and unusual as a one piece strike. I’ve never seen another.

[manchesters]

Originally Posted by Luke H

Yes Alan it must date 1905-08 so very short lived and unusual as a one piece strike. I’ve never seen another.

Cant be many of those about

[3dg]

Originally Posted by Luke H

The KOSB is on an early long-slider, so in my belief pre-1906.

Here it is stood next to a 1st V.B. Royal West Kent (tip of the hat to Simon for that one).

Thanks Luke, I have a badge of the same die but with loops.

Chris

[Keith Blakeman]

I have one, shown with collars.

[manchesters]

Very nice set Keith

[Luke H]

Quite blown away by this one.

A reversed metal Suffolk Regiment from the added tower die used in WW1.

Interestingly I did find reference to another such badge in post #21 by member Ashantee of this old thread from 2009.

[manchesters]

Luke,

A very rare badge.

The theory that has always been trotted out is that the reverse metal badges were worn by Militia.

However as this added turret appears to be a feature of the Great War production and that the Militia were disbanded in 1908 it may not be the correct theory.

Before anyone says anything, I know the Militia became the Special Reserve BUT would they order special badges during the war in clearly miniscule numbers. I doubt it.

regards

[Luke H]

Many thanks Simon.

Yes I welcome any and all suggestions as to its intended use, I am as perplexed by its existence as anyone.

My initial incline was factory mistake. But, quite a big and obvious mistake yet looking at the slider it would appear it saw some wear.

I am at a loss.

[Sonofacqms]

I am not so sure that the Suffolk Regiment badge with the added middle tower was produced during the Great War, I think it was earlier, possibly post 1902 by whatever company that altered the two turret die.

I would not discount Militia use.

Rob

[Luke H]

Originally Posted by Sonofacqms

I am not so sure that the Suffolk Regiment badge with the added middle tower was produced during the Great War, I think it was earlier, possibly post 1902 by whatever company that altered the two turret die.

I would not discount Militia use.

Rob

Two pics of RPC’s I’ve saved showing the badge in wear in WW1. Apologies for not crediting the owners I cannot recall where I saved them from now, if it offends anyone I shall remove. Note lack of laurel stalks under the scroll etc. etc.

There was no authorised 2 tower other ranks badge. For them to have altered the tower else they’d have also had to chop the QVC off.

Sealed Pattern 4565A/1901, authorised 29.10.1901 changed the QVC to KC and also 2 tower > 3 tower castle simultaneously.

In anyone has a pre-War pic of this in wear I would be interested to see but suspect it doesn’t exist for reasons covered in many, many, many threads.