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#1
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Die Links
Some of you might know that I have been defining and describing different dies for KLR cap badges – regular, unofficial, Vol Bns, TF Bns, officers and ORs. The comparison of different dies (a technique used in numismatics - my day job) to link makers as well as a chronology. In this case, the most distinctive area is of the grassy ‘ground’ I have acquired a few good KLR badges in 2018 but what I’d like to share with you is more of a wider discovery – a die linkage that creates a very good sequence.
In 1895 the WO authorised a badge for the 4th VB KLR to wear on the new FSC. It was defined as Pattern 4362/1895 and sketched in their archives (at TNA) - a WM horse rearing on a ground (without a scroll). There are a few examples of this badge about and mine <213> certainly appears to be like the sketch. I have catalogued this one as 1896/D[ie]2 (for reasons apparent below). The next year the WO finally got around to authorising a proper cap badge to all the regular units (and quite a few of the VBs). The new design, sealed as Pattern 4362A/1896, was the same horse on a ground but with the addition of a scroll reading THE ‟KINGS” underneath. I’ve logged almost 30 different dies for this pattern – there was a mass production in the war years. Not surprisingly, I found that I had two bi-metal examples of 1896/D2 <26>. In 1902 the WO decreed that officers should wear a dark bronze badge when in Service Dress – the badge we know as an OSD one. Imagine my excitement when I found amongst my KLR OSDs another Die 2 but in this case with FIRMIN / LONDON on an oval plaque on the back <13>. In 1908 new badges were designed for the new TF battalions – but without WO Pattern numbers until 1915. Then, one of my best finds of 2018 was an all WM 7th TF Bn <335> to join the 1896/D2 family ! The last link is the 5th Bn which badge K&K called the ‘1927’ badge (2357 – there is also a BM version too) <196>; it is undoubtedly an 1896/D2 but with a different scroll. Dammit - I always get the photo loading the wroing way round - please start with the WM at the end ! Last edited by KLR; 09-01-19 at 01:33 PM. Reason: dammit photo loading ! |
#2
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Good info, thanks for this.
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#3
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Thanks Leigh, one day I'll get them all up in an album like Jelly's
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#4
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So why is the 5th Bn badge using the incorrect scroll for the horse or vice-versa?
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#5
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Correct or incorrect ? I suspect that Firmin 'developed' the new badge by using their tried and tested horse die with a new scroll design - quite simple !
K&K thought it Firmin's response to a demand to a new design. I'm not 100% sure it was 1927 (WO papers refer to what was otherwise Pattern 10042/1926) and it might be earlier. curiously this badge turns up (illustrated) in the CNN for 1949 ! |
#6
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Excellent info KLR.
Andy
__________________
Leave to carry on Sir please. |
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