Chrome cap badges

[GriffMJ]

Hi All

I have just discovered a "Chrome" cap badge for the Regiment I collect. Its a c1938-57 cap badge design and would like to know if anyone else has a Chrome Cap badge for any Regiment in their collections?

Are the Chrome badges a c1950s creation?

Were they made for National Service Officers use?

[Charlie585]

Hi Griff,

Two chrome cap badges that I am aware of are as follows.

1. Royal engineers GV1. These were worn by the armoured engineers of the WW2 period as a distinction from the field engineers. I can only assume that they were worn to mark the link between the RTR and RAC, their badges being silver in colour. see pics.

2. The other example I am aware of is that of the Para Regt, an acquaintance of mine served in 16 ind Para Bde in the fifties and his troop all had their badges chromed so save wear through polishing as they were fed up with being pick up for worn badges on their works dress.

[Keith Blakeman]

Originally Posted by GriffMJ

Hi All

I have just discovered a "Chrome" cap badge for the Regiment I collect. Its a c1938-57 cap badge design and would like to know if anyone else has a Chrome Cap badge for any Regiment in their collections?

Are the Chrome badges a c1950s creation?

Were they made for National Service Officers use?

I have an 8th Hampshires (IOW Rifles) which is chromed. Also a West Kents but as this one has bolt fittings I doubt it's a cap badge.

[engr9266]

I currently have a GV1R or's chromed badge and a GV!R or's white metal badge. Both of these have a slider. I also have a GV!R Officer silvered badge with blades. At Aldershot last Sunday I brought another GV!R Officer badge but I am not sure if it is silver plate or nickel. This is also bladed and is under repair at this time(blade missing)
I like Charlie585 believe them to be armoured Royal Engineer badges worn up to the early 50's. Saying that I used to have a chromed E11R Queens crown badge but this went "MISSING" several years ago.

[Charlie585]

Hi Jerry,

Nice to see your badges, as always mate.

The GV white metal badge is a Vols pattern and one that I was after very recently, the price that it went for reflected what it was.

Regards

Ry

[GriffMJ]

Hi Ry

I like the RAC link as it is certainly relevant in this case.

However, having seen all the other examples that other forum members are putting up then its not exclusivley RAC regiments. Its also apparent that this type of badge is a WW2 creation from the evidence and not post 1950.

The problem I have with the chrome badge, relating to my Regiment, is that I cant see the back of it....... so I dont know if it has a slider or long/short loops? The other disturbing feature, for me, is that it displays the infamous flaw in the top right ribbon (usually the sign of a restrike).

[KLR]

The 1926 pattern King's Regt badge (BM) was made obsolete in 1950 but is known to have been worn later, probably up to 1958.
Anyway, there are certainly chromium plated versions. (see bottom right of regular battns etc in My album).
As to what date the plating was undertaken is still open to debate. Some have said 2nd WW (but usually in association with RAC units) and some have said 1953 Coronation !!

I think there are a few earlier threads on the subject.

[Alan O]

I have a chrome Lincs badge - not a regt that had a bn transferred to RAC so I do not subscribe to that theory. Some might have been for RAC badges, some for parades, bands, coronation and some purely to save the effort in polishing them. All semi/ unofficial but an addition for your collection if you want to fill it.

[GriffMJ]

Alan

In my case.... I think its a re-strike thats been chromed.

You can see it in the link here (No.15):-

http://www.paoyeomanry.co.uk/LYBadgeCollections.htm

[Charlie585]

Originally Posted by GriffMJ

Alan

In my case.... I think its a re-strike thats been chromed.

You can see it in the link here (No.15):-

http://www.paoyeomanry.co.uk/LYBadgeCollections.htm

Hi Griff,

this is the issue that has worried me with regard to chromium plated badges, the fact that most are probably an unnofficial modification is fine but the restrike issue is a concern that would lead me in most cases to decline them.

Ry

[mooke07]

I have seen a Derbyshire Yeomanry KC badge that has been chromed and was told it was for wearing with the blue patrol uniform.

It is on my list to acquire from a private collection and is reserved for me so not able to share a photo as yet, cheers Dean.

[GriffMJ]

Hi Dean

DY Blues badges were gilding metal mainly, it was not until WW2 that the white metal badge appeared

ORs c1910...


WW2 Beret badge...... The Beret was worn with blues dress over this period (Like the RTR).

[badjez]

Griff,

I have a chrome LDY cap badge with a slider, maker marked JR Gaunt London. It has a red felt cloth background that shows signs of being present long enough to leave a dirty mark. I have owned it for more than 15 years.
The quality does not indicate a re-strike.
Could this badge have been unofficially worn by OR on their coloured FS cap?

Stephen.

[GriffMJ]

Originally Posted by badjez

Griff,

I have a chrome LDY cap badge with a slider, maker marked JR Gaunt London. It has a red felt cloth background that shows signs of being present long enough to leave a dirty mark. I have owned it for more than 15 years.
The quality does not indicate a re-strike.
Could this badge have been unofficially worn by OR on their coloured FS cap?

Stephen.

Hi Stephen

I would really appreciate a photo, front & back, if you can I would think thats its a "Tank park" badge..... worn "in denims" for work. Probably not official but allowable (just). Again ...... its a very "RAC" thing to do.... and most likley a trendy thing to do during the 60's?

It will be the first one I have seen!

[whizzbang]

I have a chromed Manchester fleur des Lys and I understand it was done for the 1953 Coronation - I have a photo of a similar badge in the Manchester Regiment museum labelled as such.

That being said, I have also heard that chroming was done for other significant regimental occasions.

Cheers, Ian.