Smith/Wright-Fake Marking? - British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum

Roy · #1 12-04-16, 10:21 PM

Hi Gents,

I have been reliable informed by an experienced collector that the Smith Wright makers mark on this slider is fake. Before I consign it to that reference part of my collection could I get a second/third opinion?

Cheers, Roy.

manchesters · #2 12-04-16, 11:04 PM

Roy,
I havent seen one before that includes "BIRMINGHAM", but of course I havent seen many.

regards

badgecollector · #3 13-04-16, 07:01 AM

hi roy
it would have fooled me also if there is a problem with it.
sorry i cant help confirm
bc

GriffMJ · #4 13-04-16, 08:15 AM

Have you noticed that where a crimp mark normally is on the slider...... there is a "hammered over" squash mark on the metal? I would have a closer look at the edges of the white metal to see if there are grinding marks?

49lassiepen · #5 13-04-16, 09:03 AM

I have a number of Smith & Wright through out my collection ,like Simon I can't recall a Birmingham but will have a look later

David

Phil2M · #6 13-04-16, 09:45 AM

Ignoring the MM, the slider looks like a modern one to me.

Roy · #7 13-04-16, 02:13 PM

Thanks for all your thoughts gents,

As soon as the light gets a little better (early here) I will take a few more pics from different angles to see if that helps.

Cheers, Roy.

Nozzer · #8 13-04-16, 02:59 PM

Hello Roy,

Here is a correct Smith & Wright badge for you to compare.

The correct one on the left (Hertfordshire Regiment) against the fake shown on the right (Royal Norfolk beret badge).

I hope this is of some help?

Andy

Roy · #9 13-04-16, 03:34 PM

Thanks Andy,

It certainly looks like my example is a fake marking.

Cheers, Roy.

FMT600 · #10 13-04-16, 04:10 PM

I'm afraid the market is flooded with copy badges with makers marked vertical shanks (sliders), its just another ploy from the unscrupulous makers of such junk to try to make the badge look more authentic.

I have posted a link to a Firmin marked (fake) 25th Dragoons cap badge currently on ebay in the reproductions section so its not just Smith & Wright marks.

Have a look at the scotmint website where there are currently some makers marked badges which I certainly would not have in my collection, including a couple of Smith and Wright examples.

A good starting point to identify correct (and for that matter incorrect) makers marks is that kindly compiled by Forum members at top right of the main page under current projects.

Kind Regards,

FMT600

Alex Rice · #11 13-04-16, 06:14 PM

I wouldn't have been able to comment in the MM but I didn't like the way the KSLI was finished at the back and fixed to the bugle. Definitely looked dodgy to me.
Cheers,
Alex

Roy · #12 13-04-16, 06:32 PM

Thanks Gents,

This all confirms my suspicions that this one is almost certainly dodgy. I will included it in my album for reference and make the appropriate comments in the notes.

Some parting images for your reference attached.

Now where in the hell can I find a good KSLI example marked Smith & Wright?

Cheers, Roy.