Suffolk Officer Badge - British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum

Alex Rice · #1 23-04-19, 10:14 AM

Hi All
I just picked up the this HM Suffolk Reg badge. Is it a service dress badge? I am assuming that because it has lugs and not a brooch pin that it is a badge rather than a sweetheart brooch.
The badge was made by Carrington's of London which was part of Hancock's and the silversmith is BH Joseph, hallmark for 1917.
It is quite a bit smaller than the standard badge, I have taken a photo of it next to a regular sized badge for comparison.
Can anyone please confirm that this is an officer badge?
Thanks, cheers,
Alex

badjez · #2 23-04-19, 11:56 AM

Alex,

Over the years I've seen a number of these badges, and do not doubt their authenticity. However, no-one has ever been able to answer me the question 'why?'.

Stephen.

Alex Rice · #3 23-04-19, 01:01 PM

Hi Stephen
Thanks. Interesting, are they all to Suffolk or to other regiments as well?
Cheers,
Alex

badjez · #4 23-04-19, 11:24 PM

Alex,

I've only seen the Suffolk as sold by Carrington. I have seen a 3/4 size Essex but it was white metal.

Stephen.

cbuehler · #5 24-04-19, 12:15 AM

I seem to recall having seen one example of this badge (photo, not personally) and also do not doubt that it is certainly period.
However, my guess is that it is some sort of civilian creation and not intended for military/service use.

CB

Alex Rice · #6 24-04-19, 05:34 AM

Hi CB
That is always a possibility but then why lugs? Usually it would have a brooch pin, especially from a high-end jeweler, in my opinion. Possibly a private purchase service dress badge?
Bit of a mystery.
Cheers,
Alex

cbuehler · #7 24-04-19, 10:18 PM

Well, does anyone know what the officer's FS cap badge was around this time?
It is the only possibility I can think of....it couldn't possibly be for OSD wear; all wrong in metal and size.

CB