BRONZED OTHER RANKS BADGES?

[macandpud]

Do any forum members know why these two ordinary other ranks badges should be bronzed. The Hampshires is just a normal pre Royal bimetallic badge ,sweat holes and all. The Chester Yeomanry also appears to be bog standard so why the bronzing. Any info much appreciated.

[Alan O]

Hamts is most likely dug up and has discoloured in the ground.

It's possible a few wartime officers had their ORs badge painted to save some cash but this is not official practice.

Some Pals and Yeomanry badges were bronzed such as Mancs Pals and East Kent Yeomanry.

[macandpud]

Thanks for your fast reply.The Hants has definately not been dug up .The bronzing is a professional looking finish and there is no signs of corrosion.

[Alan O]

Well some one has been mucking about with it as there was no bz version for officers. The officers wore a completely different design based on the pre1881 amalgamation officer's badge. There was an all w/m VTC badge but not bronzed.

Alan

[macandpud]

I agree.The only place i have seen this finish on badges is when fixed to ww1 picture frames but if it had been removed from one of those it wouldn`t still have the slider on.The mystery continues....

[2747andy]

I agree with Alan, your Hants although it could well be a cheap alternative to buying an OSD, looks just like a standard badge that has toned through age or being in damp conditions! Besides which I'm not sure officers ever wore this pattern badge? The Cheshire Yeo is as issued and many Yeomanry ORs badges were finished as such.

Andy