BSA?

[Sonofacqms]

I found this badge in a tin today, white metal with two loops E-W, 55mm deep and 42mm wide.

The three upright rifles are the insignia of Birmingham Small Arms I believe and as this is white metal I wonder whether the company had a volunteer Btn.

Any ideas or help welcome.

Rob

[Hussar100]

I would doubt they had sir as I'm pretty sure it would have been a reserved occupation.

[Rob Miller]

Hi Rob

Its very nice, I collect things made by BSA but its new on me, it could be a badge worn by a rocker in the 1950s or 60s but I would be very interested in learning if it had an earlier military purpose.

Rob

[Sonofacqms]

I think it's earlier than the fifties and the loops on the reverse makes me think it has a military connection.

As for BSA being a reserved occupation, yes, it probably was, but it was involved with the production of fireams even in peacetime. The guns portrayed on the badge I believe are Martini-Henry carbines which were produced in the 19th century, so I think the badge is possibly from that era.

Rob

[altcar73]

They would have employed uniformed security staff. Could it have been worn by them as a cap badge?

Dave.

[Rob Miller]

Rob they never updated the type of gun on their badge, the Martini Henry was used until the very end of motor cycle production and may still be used by their tool factory today so I don't think you can use that as evidence of an early date for this badge.

I agree that normally a brooch type fitting would be used on badges worn on a leather jacket but it may not always be the case.

Rob

[Mike_2817]

The logo is still used by BSA Guns



http://bsaguns.co.uk/

BSA Regal (BSA Engineering) tend to use the 'Flying BSA Logo



http://www.bsa-regal.co.uk/?category=home&page=home

which also has a good history, and a company contact to enquire about the badge

[Rob Miller]

Could it be a BSA company directors chauffeurs badge?

Actually I'm hoping it could be from the BSA factory Home Guard, but I'm yet to find a picture of them anywhere.

And its not easy searching the internet for anything BSA related without page after page of "the Boy Scouts of America" appearing.

Rob

[Sonofacqms]

As usual forum members are most helpful with their ideas and this thread has been no exception, I have e-mailed BSA guns with an enquiry and hopefully they will solve this query.

Regards Rob

[Phil2M]

Originally Posted by altcar73

They would have employed uniformed security staff. Could it have been worn by them as a cap badge?

Dave.

This is what I was thinking too, before I read Dave's post

One that I will have to look out for

[rattle-watch1]

Dear All, This post has certainly brought back memory. In 1950 I was doing my National Service in the British Embassy in Paris. One evening whilst waiting at the Gare de Nord, the Golden Arrow was running late. I got to talk with a chauffeur who was waiting for Lady Docker who was the wife of Sir Bernard Docker, then Chairman of BSA. The chauffeur said come on I'll give you a ride in the car, which happened to be the gold plated Daimler with even the GB plate in gold. I was invited to help myself to the contents of the cocktail cabinet. Anyway the gist is that I do not remember a cap badge being worn by the driver. A bit of useless nostalgia. Harry Wynne

[Paul Spellman]

Found this image on www.rifleman.org.uk/BSA_early_history.htm
I cannot make out the badges being worn myself but someone else may do better
Paul

[ANGLE IRON]

Very interesting , the badges in the group picture don't look oval but it may just be the poor resolution. It would be great if it turned out to be an unknown cadet badge. Kev

[Sonofacqms]

I e-mailed BSA yesterday, this is the reply:-

I have never seen a badge of this type however I can confirm is the logo of BSA ( The Piled Arms Martini Henry rifles Mk1 manufactured around 1870 ) . The companys origins started in 1861 and around ten years later the Piled arms Logo was used from then to present day ( see attached present day Logo ).

The badge looks very much like military style pin on the backing and may be a cap badge or even a security cap badge , Have not seen anything like this before or even can give you a rough date of manufacture .


Best Regards

Simon Barron – Head of Operations

The badge is still a mystery, it may be a Cadet units badge or a Security Guards insignia.

Thanks for your help everyone.

Rob

[Sonofacqms]

As an afterthought, I wonder whether BSA had their own Fire Service?

Rob