Guards Machine gun badge. - Page 4 - British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum

2747andy · #46 22-02-09, 08:37 PM

The construction is correct, even down to the "spider webb" pattern on the enamelled disc, either someone has gone to a lot of effort to copy an officers pattern badge or it is genuine! If it did not look so "New" I'd endorse it 100%!

Andy

TRT · #47 23-02-09, 12:12 AM

Well I did not post a reply but played the game........and won! Well I agreed which was the original.

What is good as well is that I have a GMGR badge as well and it is very much like the genuine one posted in the album. I paid through the nose for it and it came from Mr B from Marlow!

Regards

TRT

Chrisr · #48 23-02-09, 03:43 AM

Andy,

What in your opinion are the key indicators of a genuine badge and those of a copy or re-strike? Can you give us the measurements of an original. I have this badge sans slider but I am pretty sure it is a copy or a restrike.

Cheers
Chris

2747andy · #49 23-02-09, 09:42 AM

Chris,

In my opinion the key indicators of a genuine (Gds MG Bn) OR badge would be:

*Slider and not lugged
*Sturdy slider with a crimp or crease to the shoulder
*Gold coloured braze (although this sometimes discolours anyway)
*Clear strike detail both back and front, in particular around the regimental devices (grenade, rose, etc)
*Measurements: from 12 O'clock 303 Rnd tip to bottom of badge (leek) 4.5cm
from tips of 2&10 O'clock Rnd tips 5 cm
(The feel of something over 90 years old!!!)

all the best
Andy

Chrisr · #50 23-02-09, 12:17 PM

Andy,

Would you mind giving your opinion of this one. I had thought it a re-strike although it meets four of the five key indicators you have listed - the fifth one, the slider itself is missing.

It was slidered but now missing, unfortunately
What little of it I can see, the braizing material looks to be gold,.
It is the same measurements as you have given
The strike is very crisp including the regimental devices but is much more detailed on the stars then your genuine ones

It is a good sturdy badge, although it looks as if it has never been cleaned an this is my only concern - while the patina on the front looks aged that on the rear is not so aged, but nor does it look too shiny. When comparing it with a genuine 5th Bn Seaforth Highlanders, which was changed in 1920, the rear patina is pretty much the same hue.

The closest in your album appears to be the one you have listed as "Genuine?"

Your opinion would be welcomed.

many thanks

Chris

2747andy · #51 23-02-09, 01:18 PM

Chris,
from the photos it looks reasonable enough, I know a Gentleman who can put a slider on your badge and make it almost as good as new!

Andy

wardog · #52 26-02-09, 01:22 AM

Hello Andy. I have 'checked out' the GMGB stars but my question relates to GMGR badges. I see the the Guards Machine Gun Regiment badges in your album and would be most interested to hear anyone's thoughts on good or bad points to look for on such a badge. I hope this makes my question re GMGR badges clearer. Cheers, Paul.

Alan O · #53 27-10-09, 05:38 PM

Any thoughts on this one? It looks good to me but I find these badges difficult to judge as the fakes look so correct from the front and reverse.

Unknownsoldier · #54 27-10-09, 07:32 PM

I think a lot of the confusion with these badges comes from the fact that 99% are copies and very few people have handled one they can 10000% guarantee is pukka..... it's an awkward situation to be in....

Tom

Alan O · #55 27-10-09, 07:35 PM

Ton

That is exactly the problem I have. I can't find a picture of one from Bosleys or someone equally definitive.

alan

TRT · #56 31-10-09, 07:49 PM

I bought mine from Messers Bosley when he stalled at the Motorcycle Museum about 7/8 plus years ago. It has the roots mentioned on the Leek. Would it help if I took a photo and posted it?

TRT

2747andy · #57 31-10-09, 08:06 PM

Here is the back of a genuine example!

Andy

Neil Pearce · #58 31-10-09, 08:32 PM

Here's my two, plus one extra!. I am not sure about the non-voided one to be honest, but the officers is hallmarked.

I'll be watching the quiz answers closely!

Cheers, Neil

Neil Pearce · #59 31-10-09, 08:54 PM

Would anyone know if a bronze version of this is known?

I seem to recall it is mentioned in KK, but don't have access at the moment...

Cheers, Neil

Aitch · #60 01-11-09, 03:52 PM

Seeing the officers badge reminds me that about 40 years ago a badge shop owner in a Kingston [Sry] arcade had an officers badge. He advertised for matching collar badges [tongue in cheek] - I think in the MHS Bulletin.

The next time I went in I asked if he'd had any success whereupon he produced the collar badges in question. These had the red / blue enamelled disks the same as the cap badge. Somebody had a lot of money to spend for a short lived unit.

So - anybody got any collars?