Royal Ulster Constabulary Cap Badge

[MH331]

I believe this to be a RUC Cap badge pre 1953 but would like confirmation. I also believe it to be original unless told otherwise. If it is original it will be offered for sale.

[Luke H]

Original, yes, without doubt.

RUC or UHG is unclear. I was told long ago the RUC badges only had loops and that the sliders were for military badges i.e. UHG.

The badge matches the example shown in Gaylor as UHG, however, you do see a lot of them.

[Phil2M]

UHG, other ranks, looks original to me. The officers badge is also on a slider but has unvoided harp strings.

[Luke H]

Originally Posted by Phil2M

UHG, other ranks, looks original to me. The officers badge is also on a slider but has unvoided harp strings.

Do you have a source for that Phil?

I was telling Mark I once visited London Medals off Leicester Sq and they had over half a dozen of these in their £5 box.

At the time I realised the attribution according to Gaylor but the volume of them plus no pictures of the badge in wear by UHG gives me a degree of trepidation.

That still didn’t stop me buying four, albeit I can only find three now.

[Phil2M]

Its on the forum somewhere, mate.

[Luke H]

I have read that thread too and believe participated in it.

Not saying it’s incorrect but I recall it basically amounted to hearsay based on what someone was told once along with something else they read on another forum whereby the post contradicted both KK & Gaylor in stating the UHG ORs badges had solid strings also.

Without a period photo, attributed badge or other primary source this is a subject I tread lightly around.

Police badges after all do occasionally have sliders.

[altcar73]

Having collected police insignia since the 1960's (including RIC & RUC), I've never seen an attributed police badge from Ireland with a slider.

Dave.

[Luke H]

That’s helpful, thank you Dave. I much admire and enjoy you posting your police badges on the forum.

So perhaps I should have bought all 7 or 8 of them after all!

[altcar73]

A "PS" to my earlier post. The badge at the start of the thread looks very "new" and unworn and if it were RUC related, I would expect, in that condition, that it would still have its red backing in place. Another factor to bear in mind.

Dave.

[Luke H]

These badges generally are all found in good, almost unissued condition. They all have nice slim sliders with a crimp mark which has always felt to me as signs for an earlier date badge.

Specifically they remind me of sliders found on some BB London Regt badges like the Rangers, Finsbury Rifles, Poplar & Stepney Rifles etc.

Just my opinion of course, ‘slider-ology’ isn no science to say the least and as so often in the hobby exceptions to most rules and trends.

P.S. my comparison is not for one minute suggesting a London Irish badge, which it isn’t.

[CB101]

For what it’s worth, any of the UHG side caps that turn up in this area all have a KC RUC collar badge on them and not a full sized badge

[Luke H]

Originally Posted by CB101

For what it’s worth, any of the UHG side caps that turn up in this area all have a KC RUC collar badge on them and not a full sized badge

I agree. Think I’ve seen two in photos from a museum’s collection. Both have RUC collar badge harps, one facing the wrong way!

I’m also 99% certain I’ve seen one period pic of UHG wearing side caps and again collars were worn. Obviously that’s just one snapshot in time and won’t tell the whole story.

[Phil2M]

Sorry to sidetrack your thread a little, Luke, I hope you can forgive me for it

Dave, I have these two badges, both on sliders. I think the uncrowned one is maker marked, but I have currently forgotten the details.

Cheers,

Phil

[altcar73]

Phil,

The first badge without the Crown was introduced in 1931 through to 1935 (in white metal). The same badge was worn in chrome from 1935 through to 1939. Both versions should be voided. Any solid centre versions (usually with lugs) are repros.

The second KC badge was introduced in 1939 to coincide with the BHP wartime merger with the RUC. Although merged, the BHP continued to wear their blue serge tunics and their own badges. This badge was chrome plated. In 1971, a solid centre version was introduced to be worn (only) by Auxiliary Constables. In 1979 the Auxiliary Constables were disbanded and the badge (solid version) became defunct. The voided KC version is still currently worn.

Dave.

[Phil2M]

Thank you, Dave, thats very useful information. I assume that being on the sliders is ok then?