Donegal Militia

[Sonofacqms]

I picked this badge up some twenty-five years ago, the crown was missing, no loops and some splits in the star. I added two loops and waited for twenty-five years until a white metal QVC appeared.

The crown seemed to fit and it was re-attached, my question is does it look right?

I have never seen a Donegal Militia shako plate to compare it.

Thoughts appreciated . . !

Rob

[Luke H]

Very commendable perseverance Rob searching for 25 years. You should be delighted with the result as it looks a near perfect marriage and neat repair.

Like you I’ve never seen one either. I’d love to see a picture of the back please. My thoughts would be it looks a nice original item showing it’s considerable age.

Coincidentally my nan is from Donegal so if after enjoying the fruits of your labour should you ever look to move it on farther down the line, do please let me know.

[altcar73]

Unfortunately, the Crown has not been attached square on. It seems to be leaning to the left (as you look at it). It also shows a gap to the right hand side which probably accounts for the list to the left. There is a gent down in Sussex who (if he still does such work), would re-attach that Crown in such a way as for it to be an almost invisible repair. It would be worth doing.

Dave.

[49lassiepen]

If you are referring to Warren Butcher he was very recently
David

[manchesters]

Originally Posted by 49lassiepen

If you are referring to Warren Butcher he was very recently
David

He was.....?

regards

[cavalryman]

Warren stalls out at the Farnham, Bromley & Aldershot Militaria fairs.

would recommend him for repairs, have had many badges redone over the years.

regards John

[Sonofacqms]

Thanks for the replies chaps, I think after twenty five years of searching I can live with this badge with a QVC slightly on the huff.

Luke, I have added a pic of the reverse which shows a brass rod I soldered to hold the badge together, there is a few small splits which again I can live with as they do not show on a board.

Good to know Warren Butcher is still around, I used to see him at Bedford in the good old days.

Rob

[John Mulcahy]

Rob,

thanks for posting this. I too have never seen an example of an O/R Donegal Militia shako plate but have no reason to doubt the veracity of what you have posted. I have seen images of what looks to me like an earlier 1844 Albert shako plate, Whyte’s auction lot 1121, March 14, 2009, that was a different design which you can see here. https://www.whytes.ie/art/19th-centu...-items/129896/


The example you show seems to me to be the 1855 pattern shako plate and is the classic design of a WM crowned star with a circlet (with regimental title) enclosing the royal cypher worn by several regiments.

John

[Sonofacqms]

John,
Thanks for posting the link to the auction house with the Donegal badges, my shako plate is of a similar design to the helmet plate and an item well worth repairing.

Rob

[49lassiepen]

Nice item militia badges are one of my favourite badges -only have them to my main Regiment
Simon not sure what you mean
David
.

.

[manchesters]

I thought you were going to say what he was..... doing, but reading it again I can see you mean, 'he was..... doing repairs recently.
Just ignore it.

regards

[Sonofacqms]

Today I phoned Warren and had a bit of a chat about fairs we used to attend and I mentioned my Donegal Militia Shako plate. I sent him pics to evaluate as to further repairs and this was the reply I received.

Rob, Looking at your badge I'm not sure if I could improve it. The crown I could probably straighten out but the lower crack by the "M" may be a bit tricky as the line of the circle does not align correctly. I know from experience that trying to line it up could end up making it worse. I think that unless you are really keen to get it sorted out I would be inclined to leave it. Warren Butcher

So I think at present it will sit on my board.

Rob