1939 Pattern, Liverpool Irish, Firmin and Gaunt

[KLR]

I thought collectors of Lpl Irish badges might like to know the differences.
The cap / caubeen Lpl Irish badge was authorised as Pattern 11390/1939 on 16th December 1939.


The Ministry of Supply badge lists recorded that first badge was made by Firmin- and a die marked Firmin dated as above exists. From June 1940 however, the MoS recorded the badge made by Gaunt.


So, the difference between the two dies are minor details on the stems of the shamrocks above the furls either side of the THE KINGS.
The first badge is marked Firmin and the second is marked Gaunt (though minus the crown - said to be by republican minded Irishmen !)


The Firmin badges only had short sliders. Gaunt badges had either short or long sliders (mostly made from copper rather than GM). I'm not sure what the difference was (caubeen / beret ???) and which came first ???)


Firmin marked left - Gaunt marked right
Firmin detail left - Gaunt (unmarked) detail right




( I have quite a few examples but I'd like to find a Gaunt marked short slider one with crown ! and a Gaunt marked long slider !)

[Peter Brydon]

I may be wrong but I think the Liverpool Irish post 1939 only wore the caubeen.

P.B.

[KLR]

Yes, I think that's right ... but that Pattern badge was worn up to 1964 (even with its KC !).

Were they wearing caubeens into the 1960s.