UVF lapel badge

[mtrpltpara]

Hello all,
Just won this on eBay, put in a good bid and was stunned when no snipers came in. Now I am thinking along the lines of Bulgeria/Cyprus badge being sold on and on.
Hopefully someone could check it out and give opinion.
Regards,
Bill.
Ebay item 141749791749 (sorry can't provide a link)

[Wooffy]

Not my area of specialism, sorry I can't help out there - but direct link to ebay listing by clicking here.

[manchesters]

Although the photos are blurred I think it is OK.
Usually made by Sharman. Is it maker marked?

regards

[mtrpltpara]

Thanks for the reply Simon, I wasn't aware they were made by Sharman, thought that was the dixies?, been after one for ages now a little stunned at the price.
Maybe I shouldn't look a gift horse etc. so I've paid for it, see how it looks when it arrives
Regards,
Bill.

[tynesideirish]

I hope it's Okay, but what does he mean by clasp? it should have a button hole fitting on the back, maybe the seller doesn't know what that fitting is.

The biggest worry is the following: This belonged to my late Father who lived in Armagh but his family were originally from Londonderry

Oh, I'll sell my late fathers badge that (if genuine) was probably his Fathers too for a few quid on Ebay... Really! Story tellers on Ebay always make my alarm bells ring.

[mtrpltpara]

Tyneside, yes alarms for me too.
When I put my bid in I told him I wished he hadn't polished it, he replied to the effect he was expecting a lot more and a lot of people were watching. When I won he said not to pay and he would keep hold of it, no problems.
I'll see what turns up
Regards,
Bill.

[ebro]

I believe that this badge is 100% genuine, but not Londonderry, It is Co Tyrone. These lapel badges were not maker marked as I do not believe they were made by S.D.Neill Belfast. They were made in quantity in a hurry, thus they were not cut out with a nice sharp outline. I would have expected it to go for twice that price.
Eddie

[mtrpltpara]

Thanks Eddie, the badge arrived this morning, very fast,. It looks good, apart from the shine on the front that is.
Regards,
Bill

[billy]

Bill have one to upload to you soon as I get onto my laptop so you might compare! Ebro is right in that L does not signify Londonderry, as I think mine is the same? as to the numerals to rear I have always believed these to be the badge recipients UVF number, so! my grandfather was 9th Btn. UVF and the whole Btn. Joined up on mass and became part of the 36th Ulster Division his Service number was 18146 (? off the top of me head) unfortunately I do not know his UVF number but wouldn't it be good to compare? wait to see how others think of this view all the best billy

[billy]

Here is the UVF Lapel badge also the 36th Ulster Div. badge one of the lugs replaced by Dave C. (Cheers Dave) where am I going to get another? so am happy to have a repaired badge!

[mtrpltpara]

Thanks for the photos Billy

[Toby Purcell]

I have one of these badges that I obtained from an RUC constable in the 1970s. I don't think it dates to WW1, were they popular as repros?

[leigh kitchen]

Similar badges were around in the 70's, in shops that sold Loyalist insignia, records, souvenirs. I had one in bronze finish with brooch fitting, still have one in chrome somewhere, attached (along with a Greek National Guard cap badge) to the cover of an army notebook.

[billy]

Toby the original badges had the buttonhole with numerals to rear, the ones with pin and clasp where as stated 70, s onwards, as kids growing up in Northern Ireland the "Wrangler Jacket" would invaribly have one attached to collar along with the white shield within a red cross and within this the star of David (representing the six counties) and within this a red hand of Ulster with crown above! (Phew!! long winded!) Also a series of Jubilee badges? A new one comming out every 12th of July!

Now for Bill here are better photos so you might compare yours to, all the best billy

[mtrpltpara]

Great photos Billy, thanks a lot.
Regards,
Bill.