Royal West Kent Officers Silver Badge. - British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum

thursdaychris · #1 29-12-23, 03:00 PM

Hello Chaps,

I couldn't find anything, anywhere, of interest over Chrimbo, so, failing all else, I decided to upgrade the RWK silver badge in my collection, a 1918 hallmarked piece that popped up on the website of one of our favourite dealers, proved to be quite irresistible. I have attached pictures of the old and the new, my original badge is on the left and although completely unmarked, I'm fairly sure that this is also a silver piece, as you can see, the back of it has gone almost black since I've had it.

Alan O · #2 29-12-23, 03:10 PM

The single lug and tab suggest an Edwardian badge for a cap such as a Torin. Have you been able to date the hallmark?

manchesters · #3 29-12-23, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan O

The single lug and tab suggest an Edwardian badge for a cap such as a Torin. Have you been able to date the hallmark?

Looks like 1918.

best wishes

magpie · #4 29-12-23, 04:13 PM

For the year 1918/19

Alex Rice · #5 30-12-23, 05:35 AM

Lovely, great addition!
Cheers,
Alex

manchesters · #6 30-12-23, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan O

The single lug and tab suggest an Edwardian badge for a cap such as a Torin. Have you been able to date the hallmark?

Alan,

We may have to re evaluate the time period for the use of a loop and tab with the 1918 dated badge.

best wishes

Alan O · #7 30-12-23, 09:22 AM

Indeed as it's an odd fitting for a peaked cap of the period the date is conclusive.

thursdaychris · #8 30-12-23, 10:06 AM

I'm assuming that 1918 is considered rather late for the loop and tab type fitting? There is an RIF S/P badge that I've been looking at, this has much the same sort of fitting, it's unmarked, but this could have been made at any time after 1901, I guess?

Alex Rice · #9 30-12-23, 12:50 PM

I am almost certain I have seen a loop & tab badge post dating 1920. Unusual but I assume private purchase badges could have had that fitting specified. Maybe an officer thought they fitted better and wanted that done? One of my favourite type fittings so I always look at them when I see them on sale.
Cheers,
Alex

grenadierguardsman · #10 30-12-23, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thursdaychris

I'm assuming that 1918 is considered rather late for the loop and tab type fitting? There is an RIF S/P badge that I've been looking at, this has much the same sort of fitting, it's unmarked, but this could have been made at any time after 1901, I guess?

Yes, same fitting just bent upwards.
Andy

cbuehler · #11 31-12-23, 12:43 AM

I don't know how a time frame for such a fitting came about, but personally, I always hesitate when it comes to officer badge fittings to assign anything to them. A fine badge.

CB