Collecting pairs of badges

[Sonofacqms]

I would welcome members thoughts on collecting pairs of badge such as cloth shoulder titles, slip-ons, metal titles, formation signs and non matching collar badges.

I have for years collected pairs of the above and I do wonder whether this is a bit over the top, I may decide to split up my pairs and move them on depending on members advice.

Rob

[Rob Miller]

Its a very good question and I imagine there will be members that do both.

When I was collecting cloth formation badges on several occasions I split up a pair, one to keep one to move on.

With my Devon collection I'm still trying to complete pairs of collars and shoulder titles.

With my button collection I collect pairs of cap buttons but not large or medium buttons even if they are the screw backed epaulette types.

So a yes no poll wouldn't help me.

Rob

[norfolk regt man]

I collect pairs, with one the right way round, the other has the backing on show

[Luke H]

Many members do both as Rob Miller states.

It would be a shame to split up matching pairs as that is what most collectors of pairs strive for.

I don’t think there’s any harm breaking up your non-matching collars.

[manchesters]

I collected pairs of shoulder titles in metal, but then after years of displaying them, thought it was a little pointless as they were both identical and sold one half off, which I dont regret and used the cash to buy different badges.

So I had both opinions at various times.

As for collars I think they should be in pairs because of the facing pair v matching pair issues, so that you always have 2 of each, rather than 2 of facing pairs and just one of matching pairs.

regards

[Sonofacqms]

Thanks chaps for your replies, food for thought . . !

Rob

[cbuehler]

I generally do not collect collars and STs, but have always striven to get pairs when they do come about, with the exception of Indian Army, wherein singles are usually the best one can hope for.
I too would not recommend breaking up matching pairs.

CB

[grey_green_acorn]

I have more than 550 pairs of facing and matching collar badges but I also have about 100 single collar badges that I am seeking the 'other half'. Some of these I have had for more than 30 years!

As for shoulder titles in cloth and metal I only collect single examples.

Tim

[Home Guard]

Yes, an excellent question and one I've asked myself many times. I am quite happy with a single, and due to funds restrictions that is more accessible for me. However, if I get a set/matched pair I don't break them up, but usually find that I only display my single's.

If I have something that is a named grouping that has a pair, then I do display them with the other items in the grouping. If possible I also love to put a picture of the person and their autograph all in the same frame, or to at least know their name.

Terry

[Drmiggy]

I would always try and get a set of collar dogs and very rarely ever buy a single, however more than comfortable with single shoulder emblems.

I try and display a set of collar dogs wit the cap badge.

Regards Ian

[JerryBB]

I try to get pairs if I can, for titles and collars, div signs as well if possible, but I buy singles as well. Some of the metal shoulder titles are pricy & uncommonly seen which makes getting pairs difficult. That said, there are always some harder to get badges in all these categories, titles, collars etc...

[Sonofacqms]

Again food for thought . . !

I think if I do decide to move any cloth shoulder titles, slip-ons, metal titles, formation signs and non matching collar badges I will start with units that our families have not served in, this would involve Regiments and Corps that would go back to before the Great War.

Many years ago I decided to only collect cap badges, so I sold my shoulder titles and collar badges to a lady who had an antique shop in Cambridge, there were a few "T" titles and even better an "AMR" title, I have never replaced it in over fifty years, I have the cap badges in OSD and gold gilt, but never seen a title which is why I am weighing up the options.

Thanks again Rob

[Ian Dummer]

Originally Posted by Sonofacqms

I would welcome members thoughts on collecting pairs of badge such as cloth shoulder titles, slip-ons, metal titles, formation signs and non matching collar badges.

I have for years collected pairs of the above and I do wonder whether this is a bit over the top, I may decide to split up my pairs and move them on depending on members advice.

Rob

Hi Rob

I tend to collect all badges by the number worn. Cap badges as one but all variants/makers, Collar and shoulder badges as pairs but again with all variants and makers.
Arm badges are collected as they were worn, if worn on one arm i buy single but if worn on both arms I buy a pair.

Regards

Ian

[manchesters]

There is no right or wrong, its personal choice and of course availability and cost.

As I said previously I sold one half of my identical metal shoulder titles to the Manchester Regiment and got a lot of money back into the kitty.

I have over 50 different ones to the Regiment. It all adds up.

regards

[Sonofacqms]

Of course when it comes to "T" titles there are all sorts of variations, large and small "T"'s as well as the lower title which can also vary.

To say the least, it's a growing problem and one I only really noticed when I started re-carding my badges. I will have a think of what to dispose of first.

Thanks again for your advice, work in progress . . !

Rob