WRAC QC A/A Badges Question

[Home Guard]

I am interested to know how many different maker marks there are for the QC A/A WRAC cap badge. I have seen JR Gaunt B'HAM, JR Gaunt LOND, AAMOK, FIRMAN, Plain slider, and lugs.

Thanks,

Terry

[engr9266]

Hello terry, I have 8 different maker marks for WRAC A/A badges and 18 variations.
DOWLER. BIRMINGHAM
Wm DOWLER (B'HAM)
FIRMIN. LONDON
JR GAUNT B'HAM
JR GAUNT LONDON
LONDON BADGE & BUTTON Co Ltd
MARPLES & BEASLEY B'HAM
No Maker mark
With Blades
With Clutch pin
There are various different backs to some badges, Smooth back, Pattern back etc
I have not seen a WRAC A/A badge with lugs.

Jerry

[Home Guard]

Thank you Jerry! Ah I went back and looked at the one I thought was anodized with lugs, but is bi-metal.

Your list is a big help for badges ot look for, Also, the "AMMOK" should read "AMMO UK". I notice you don't list this one, so wonder if it is a valid/good badge or a fake?

Terry

[Mike H]

I've got no record of a lugged badge either Jerry.

Theres a couple with wrong colours too.
All gold
Gold with an unfinished lion

[Ex Supt Clk RAOC]

Terry

Several companies reproduced 'copy' badges for collectors. AMMO UK is one of these as is DANBURY MINT. Whilst these badges look OK these manufacturers were never amongst the manufacturers who were 'authorised' and contracted to manufacture Anodised Cap badges for issue to the British Army. ie they were never available through the QM stores for issue. If you are looking for genuine issued items then avoid anything stamped with this mark.

Regards
Steve

[engr9266]

Originally Posted by Home Guard

Thank you Jerry! Ah I went back and looked at the one I thought was anodized with lugs, but is bi-metal.

Your list is a big help for badges ot look for, Also, the "AMMOK" should read "AMMO UK". I notice you don't list this one, so wonder if it is a valid/good badge or a fake?

Terry

Terry, I did not mention AMMO UK as they did not produce A/A badges only bi-metal.
The A/A badges with blades, as said above were produced by Danbury / Birmingham Mint

Jerry

[grey_green_acorn]

Full details on badges retailed in the Danbury Mint set in my album https://www.britishbadgeforum.com/fo...p?albumid=1177

Tim

[grey_green_acorn]

Examples of Pattern Cards of WRAC cap badges (from 54bty collection) and shown in the Sealed Standard Pattern Card group album https://www.britishbadgeforum.com/fo...ures&groupid=7
The album contains many other cards with ATS and WRAC badges.

Tim

[bess55]

The metal badges marked AMMO UK were often sold in PRI shops, so were actually frequently worn by serving soldiers - I think the Kings Regt one is often the quoted example. These badges fall into the 'not issued but sometimes worn' category.

[Home Guard]

Bess55, Very interesting. I figured I'd be adding one anyway as hey are not expensive and it is a variation, even if not official.

May I ask what "PRI" stands for. Being a Yank I am not familiar with the acronym?

Thanks for the input!!!

Terry

[Mike H]

Originally Posted by bess55

The metal badges marked AMMO UK were often sold in PRI shops, so were actually frequently worn by serving soldiers - I think the Kings Regt one is often the quoted example. These badges fall into the 'not issued but sometimes worn' category.

Devon and Dorset is another one that falls into that group. They also had a blackened metal badge made by Shaw Munster.

I did hear a rumour that during the 90's the MPSC were issued with an AMMO UK badge.

[grey_green_acorn]

PRI = President of the Regimental Institute usually an appointed senior major or second-in-command of a unit running an account from non-public funds for the benefit of the unit. Typically with a unit shop selling sports equipment and trophies, crested regimental clothing, ties and badges etc.

Tim

[Home Guard]

Ah, thanks Tim!!!

Terry

[bess55]

Tim, beat me to it ��

All the very best chaps

Bess

[bess55]

Some of the stranger WRAC versions out there. For interests sake chaps my set.