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  #1  
Old 30-07-21, 10:34 AM
Reid10 Reid10 is offline
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Default Fake Royal Scots Badge - Or Very Polished?

Gentlemen,

I hate to post questions so close to each other, because I do not want to seem like I am taking advantage of your expertise. Plus, I try to do my own research first. However, in this case I was not able to find a definitive answer on my own. (and I did several searches on this forum!)

I have seen multiple versions of the Royal Scots Regiment cap badge. Some have crisp details, while others look like St. Andrew was dropped on his face a few times. (See attached) Sadly he always looks a bit mutated (no disrespect intended).

Did soldiers in the regiment polish their cap badges, and does this account for the loss of detail? This is an answer I would like to know beyond determining what is a fake or not. Something to put in my collecting kit bag.

Regards,

Reid
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  #2  
Old 30-07-21, 10:53 AM
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leigh kitchen leigh kitchen is online now
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Yes, soldiers polished their cap badges, the detail could become blurred, sometimes the detail was deliberately rubbed down with abrasive materials in order to achieve a more reflective finish.
A 2nd Bn Royal Scots badge, fairly well polished, and one that appears never to have been polished:
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File Type: jpg 20210730_114906~2.jpg (75.8 KB, 93 views)
File Type: jpg 20210730_115738~2.jpg (58.7 KB, 79 views)

Last edited by leigh kitchen; 30-07-21 at 11:00 AM. Reason: Image added.
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  #3  
Old 30-07-21, 11:08 AM
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I would assess the badge to be original.
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  #4  
Old 30-07-21, 02:50 PM
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I agree that it is original. Unfortunately Wee Jimmy does not take to polishing very well. Even unworn, his expression is often one of impending defacement.

CB
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  #5  
Old 30-07-21, 09:01 PM
Neil M.ex14/20H.MAN A.C.F Neil M.ex14/20H.MAN A.C.F is offline
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Nothing wrong with it.
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  #6  
Old 31-07-21, 11:52 AM
Reid10 Reid10 is offline
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Gentlemen, thank you for your expertise. I am going to purchase the badge for my collection.

I actually prefer badges and headgear that were used, though of course not broken or so moth eaten they resemble swiss cheese.

I like the comment that the Jock who owned the badge was a wee bit enthusiastic when it came to polishing, to St. Andrew's sorrow. Thank you also for the explanations of why badges might be polished.

I do have one last question and excuse this dumb Yank's ignorance, but why is St. Andrew called "Jimmy"? I have heard Mercury on the Signals badge also called Jimmy. In the U.S. Infantry we have a statue of a WWII soldier charging into battle nicknamed "Iron Mike" as one of our symbols. Something similar?

I want to make sure I get my lingo right. For example saying SCOTS, not RRS. (A RQMS very kindly corrected me on this a few years ago)

Eventually I will stop showing my fourth-point-of-contact on this forum.

Cheers,

Reid
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  #7  
Old 31-07-21, 12:49 PM
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Reid

The Royal Signalls themselves don't know for certain where Jimmy came from

https://www.royalsignalsmuseum.co.uk/cap-badge-history/

Alan
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  #8  
Old 31-07-21, 12:58 PM
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All I know is that some of the Scots regiments, eg., Black Watch used to refer to St. Andrew as "Wee Jimmy" on their badges. The R.Sigs is called "Jimmy" and I believe "Cedric" as well.

CB
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  #9  
Old 31-07-21, 01:20 PM
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As the brass centre piece obviously hasn't been brazed in properly I'd find another bett example, but it's up to you.
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  #10  
Old 31-07-21, 03:06 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cbuehler View Post
All I know is that some of the Scots regiments, eg., Black Watch used to refer to St. Andrew as "Wee Jimmy" on their badges. The R.Sigs is called "Jimmy" and I believe "Cedric" as well.

CB
Jimmy being referred to as Cedric is a new one to me and I wore the badge for 25 years .

Cedric is an unusual name but we did have a Signal Officer in Chief called Cedric Burton in 2000 so perhaps you have heard the name in connection with him.
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  #11  
Old 31-07-21, 04:40 PM
Reid10 Reid10 is offline
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I will take Magpie's advice and wait for a better example.

Hopefully genuine WM versions of the badge are not hard to find.
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  #12  
Old 31-07-21, 05:46 PM
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I think that you could certainly find a better example without having to brake the bank.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Reid10 View Post
Gentlemen,

I hate to post questions so close to each other, because I do not want to seem like I am taking advantage of your expertise. Plus, I try to do my own research first. However, in this case I was not able to find a definitive answer on my own. (and I did several searches on this forum!)

I have seen multiple versions of the Royal Scots Regiment cap badge. Some have crisp details, while others look like St. Andrew was dropped on his face a few times. (See attached) Sadly he always looks a bit mutated (no disrespect intended).

Did soldiers in the regiment polish their cap badges, and does this account for the loss of detail? This is an answer I would like to know beyond determining what is a fake or not. Something to put in my collecting kit bag.

Regards,

Reid
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  #13  
Old 31-07-21, 07:46 PM
Reid10 Reid10 is offline
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Thank you, Frank. I will keep my eye out!
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  #14  
Old 01-08-21, 10:03 AM
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Frank Kelley Frank Kelley is offline
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!


Quote:
Originally Posted by cbuehler View Post
I agree that it is original. Unfortunately Wee Jimmy does not take to polishing very well. Even unworn, his expression is often one of impending defacement.

CB
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