Some notes by Laurence Archer February 1980

[GriffMJ]

Spot of confusion here..... the "modern" SNCO/Officers beret badge is the old "large collar" badge by Gaunt. (see below)

There is only one other Motto that is a size "between" this large collar and the normal cap motto ....to my knowledge.... and its the Motto I call the Spur bone (approx H=37mm & W= 45mm).

[Alan O]

The 3rd page of the notes in post 1 describes the 1960s and 70's fakes with the ENGLAND mark. This is a spurious fake mark as can be seen on this fantasy blank armed KRRC badge. The badge is an old die cast fake with ENGLAND imprinted on the reverse. The design is a fantasy one but filled the early collectors' demand for a KRRC militia or TF badge. the KRRC did not have any TF battalions.

[halliford_bend]

Originally Posted by Peter Brydon

Some time ago I was offered a copy of some notes put together by Laurence Archer in 1980.I finally got a copy of the notes this morning.

These were a result of the problem of restrike badges and in fact in the notes Laurence has a section headed:

1970`s:the decade of the restrike

He starts off with an introduction,then goes on to give his definitions of restrikes,copies and spurious badges.There are then some notes general guidance for collectors,finishes and fittings and Gaunt re-issues of the late 1970`s.

Laurence then begins with Cavalry badges and lists the copies he has come across. I presume he went on to deal with Yeomanry and infantry,my copy of the notes only deals with Cavalry badges.

I dont think the notes were ever turned into a published book which is a great pity, he does say that the full series of notes would be in loose leaf form.

I am attaching scans of a few pages which I hope are legible,some of the advice he gives is as relevant,if not more so today, than it was in 1980.

P.B.

I too have all my original Laurence Archer notes and records. I did a great deal of business with Laurie in the 1970's, and indeed still have a lot of the material which I bought from him at that time.
I know that he was very disappointed with the reception that his notes had from collectors, but I also believe that a of lot of pressure was put on him by certain other parties , to dissuade him from publishing information that was damaging their business.

[Sonofacqms]

A visionary . . !

Rob

[Peter Brydon]

In the days ( light years ) before E mails you could always rely on Laurie to reply in detail to any questions you raised with him.

I still have a number of letters he sent to me in the 1970`s in response to queries I had raised with him or with additional information on items in articles I had written.

(was the attached letter really received 41 years ago !!!!!)

P.B.