Royal Artillery Volunteers

[Markus Bodeux]

This week i got the first two Royal Artillery Volunteer badges for my collection.
1.) a victorian crown helmet plate, K&K 829a and following Westlake´s "British Home Service Helmets 1878-1914" with the general pattern inscription "ARTILLERY VOLUNTEERS" page 89, pre-1891 version.
The plate is not damaged, but the surface, especialy obverse, is discoloured by oxydation. The base metal is white and the thin silvering changed to dark grey-red-brown colour. I will not polish or clean it anyway .....

2.) A cap badge with KC and 10 laurel leafes, white metal and it looks not silvered, the surface is more matt white. It should be K&K844 and from the period 1902-1908 - but in my hands it looks very "fresh" or brandnew. Have i here a restrike or fake ? Weight 8,9g, a very light badge.

Thanks for all comments,

kind regards
Markus