Letter "S" inside a laurel wreath

[Terra Nova]

Submitted for your consideration is a gilding metal/brass badge. It measures 36 mm (1.4 inches) high X 35 mm (1.35 inches) wide. It is quite robust in construction. The reverse has two wire loop retaining lugs.

A vague recollection suggests to me that it may be Australian indicating sniper qualification. I am not attached to that hypotheses and welcome inputs.

Any information on the identification, date and use of this insignia would be appreciated. Thank you.

with kindest regards to all,

Tim

[Bill A]

Qualification badge, Surveyor. Royal Artillery (and maybe RCA), Class II and III.

[Terra Nova]

Thank you, Bill, this is most helpful and appreciated.

all the best,

Tim

[manchesters]

Originally Posted by Bill A

Qualification badge, Surveyor. Royal Artillery (and maybe RCA), Class II and III.

That’s not correct
It’s the army scout badge as worn in India, early 20th century

Best wishes

[grey_green_acorn]

I have a similar (identical) one, die cast but unfortunately missing one lug.

Tim

[grey_green_acorn]

Surveyor perhaps more like this although this is an anodised ‘modern’ type:

Tim

[btns]

I think this is a civilian badge used in many countries.

There are lots of small variations. Attached are a modern die-cast button and an older die-struck design. Over time the vase became less dominant and it is not on later designs.
I do not have copyright to a picture of an older Canadian button with the vase over the title. It was made by Scullly.

[leigh kitchen]

Shown as 51A, "British Army Proficiency Badges" by Edwards and Langley as Cavalry and Infantry Scouts, British Indian Army.

[manchesters]

See my post 4
There is no unknown facts about this badge, clearly identified in the book Proficiency Badges of the British Army and seen in multiple period photos
Comes in GM, WM and cloth

Best wishes

[mike_vee]

Originally Posted by leigh kitchen

Shown as 51A, "British Army Proficiency Badges" by Edwards and Langley as Cavalry and Infantry Scouts, British Indian Army.

One sold by Bosley's at auction on 24 Jan 2018.

https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/a...e-a862010bad09


.

[leigh kitchen]

Originally Posted by manchesters

See my post 4
There is no unknown facts about this badge, clearly identified in the book Proficiency Badges of the British Army and seen in multiple period photos
Comes in GM, WM and cloth

Best wishes

I did, just thought I'd add the ref (it's one of those badges that sticks in the mind).

[btns]

Here are picture of the badge being worn.

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Locati..._Scotland.html

reference: GettyImages.com
https://www.gettyimages.dk/detail/ne...oto/1080141308

Note that you should not publish this picture. It has a digital signature and they will find it. You'll get a serious invoice plus legal threats.

Now, I suggest you add pictures and provenance of your badges to this thread.
As with buttons, many badge sellers make up an ID and everyone copies those IDs. Debunking them takes a lot of effort. Once accepted some collectors present themselves as the guy who found the proper ID.

[Bill A]

Stand corrected. The S wreath was for Surveyor in the RCA, but I see there were two different S badges in the imperial army.

[Terra Nova]

Thank you, everyone, for those most useful inputs and for such a decisive identification. Inevitably, we may have a few ranging shots before registering on target. All part of the very helpful back-and-forth

My curiosity is piqued, there being a reference above to one selling at Bosley's by auction on 24 Jan 2018. What would be a ballpark value of such an item, please? Thank you.

with best wishes to all,

Tim

[Jelly Terror]

Originally Posted by btns

Here are picture of the badge being worn.

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Locati..._Scotland.html

reference: GettyImages.com
https://www.gettyimages.dk/detail/ne...oto/1080141308

Note that you should not publish this picture. It has a digital signature and they will find it. You'll get a serious invoice plus legal threats.

Now, I suggest you add pictures and provenance of your badges to this thread. As with buttons, many badge sellers make up an ID and everyone copies those IDs. Debunking them takes a lot of effort. Once accepted some collectors present themselves as the guy who found the proper ID.

Hear, hear.

I don’t have a copy of Edwards’ & Lankey’s British Army Proficiency Badges… is the source of the ID info on this badge cited therein?

Be great to see a sealed pattern for this one. I know it’s been the subject of discussion in the past. Interesting badge/debate.

JT