Suffolk Regt

[bess55]

Gents, whilst I'm happy with this suffolk Regt cap badge, is anyone able to roughly date this lugged version? I suspect just pre WW1?

Thanks in advance guys

Bess

[cbuehler]

Well, here are two examples of earlier badges. As can be seen, there is a big difference in quality.
The reverse of your badge has braze holes which I would expect to see, but the quality of strike is quite poor, leaving me to doubt that is a genuine badge.

CB

[bess55]

Thanks CB.

It may be the case that the badge is very mucky. I'll give it a light clean and see if the features sharpen up.

[cbuehler]

In my opinion, no badge should be presented for appraisal without having been cleaned up. It is not just you, but many others.
Some feel that a badge should be left untouched, but this is a fallacy that is not conducive to the preservation nor appreciation of a given badge.
Patina is one thing; dirt, built up old polish, and corrosion another.

CB

[thursdaychris]

Hi Bess, these KC Suffolk badges with loops ( clean or otherwise ) are usually described as Edwardian, so pre WW1 is just about spot on.

[bess55]

Many thanks. I'm always a bit loathed to clean these, but as mentioned above, getting some of the grime off may liven it up a bit for a more accurate examination.

Thanks all.



QUOTE=thursdaychris;543865]Hi Bess, these KC Suffolk badges with loops ( clean or otherwise ) are usually described as Edwardian, so pre WW1 is just about spot on.[/QUOTE]

[bess55]

Have given it a light scrub and removed most of the muck from the face. What do we think now chaps?

[grenadierguardsman]

I thought it was ok ?
Andy

[Luke H]

It’s genuine.

I would not have cleaned it.

For those who like bright shiny badges I suggest collecting staybrites.

[cbuehler]

Originally Posted by Luke H

It’s genuine.

I would not have cleaned it.

For those who like bright shiny badges I suggest collecting staybrites.

Could not agree less. As for staybrites....

CB

[thursdaychris]

Ah well, Bess, clean or dirty, dull or shiny, there is a space for it in my small collection. I do actually need another one of these, if you feel inclined to move it on, how does £15, grab you ???

[KLR]

This particular badge was authorised in October 1901.
An official remit of June 1906 authorised the "vertical shank" - ie 'slider' for all units.
However, loops were used by troops wearing side caps mostly in India.
also TF battalions also used loops for the same reason
The same appeared in the 1930s - whenever the side cap made a come back - not sure of the exact date


So, in theory your badge should date between 1901 and 1906.....


(and I wouldn't "clean" it either)

[bess55]

Many thanks, that helps. I only lightly cleaned off the dirt and dust.

Its not for sale I'm afraid Chris - its not a spare.

Thanks all, happily dated and authenticated.

Bess

[Frank Kelley]

A nice badge that has been worn.

Originally Posted by bess55

Have given it a light scrub and removed most of the muck from the face. What do we think now chaps?

[49lassiepen]

Bess nice badge
l ways give mine a light clean with soapy water even badges well into 4 figures -I also have a very large collection of very shiny anodised/staybright badges which I also clean with soapy water to remove dirt .They become even more shiny Not a fan of dirt ,