66th Foot last helmet shako reproduction or not?

[Jack Fletcher]

Good Morning all. So I've asked on another group and got mixed opinions and for me I dont have enough experience to know if this is indeed a restrike or not but could someone who has knowledge in this area helped me.

I've attached photos of the item. Also on last shako plates what type of lugs should be fitted I.e brass, copper, ect?

[49lassiepen]

Jack Only have 1 in my collection 62nd ,will have to check but I think it is ex H. K collection If interested will post later in album section Not mastered thumb nail yet
David

[Jack Fletcher]

That would be great if you could please. This badge collecting is a right minefield and isnt ideal when you get a mixed opinion on a item. Would also appear that some people specialise in certain areas of collecting and certain time periods.

But I am learning slowly but surely

[Parabellum]

I think you might want to start on the cap badges of the corps and infantry, then after a couple of years take a crack at cavalry, of which Victorian cavalry will make you want to kill someone, then after 10 years or so, maybe you'll be ready for mid Victorian shako plates, but don't bet on it

The Shako in question is not right by the way.

[Jack Fletcher]

That's good thankyou. Can you tell me what the give away features are that it isnt good?

Tbh I have no interest in ww1, ww2 or any other capbadge other than a very specific area of Victorian era collecting and not so long ago started to look into the glengarry badge and Helmet plate side of things from the 1870's/1880's period specifically the 66th of foot, 49th of foot and Berkshire regiment.

[Parabellum]

Well, I think the font on the motto strap is wrong, like many repro badges, the font is a little too thin. I don't like the lugs or their placement on the back.
I don't know if all originals had brass lugs, but i think i would prefer them on badges of this period and i have seen original officer patterns with 3 lugs, but again, 2 lugged originals MAY be okay.
My experience, or 'eye' just says it's a copy based on what i see.

Add to that the seller, the place of sale and the price all point to it being a copy. There is a guy on ebay who will make these with any number you like.
They have been copied to death. I hope i have helped you a bit anyway.

You have a massive hill to climb Jack, collecting the plates of this period, and if you want originals, it will be very expensive, Good luck

[norfolk regt man]

Originally Posted by Jack Fletcher

Good Morning all. So I've asked on another group and got mixed opinions and for me I dont have enough experience to know if this is indeed a restrike or not but could someone who has knowledge in this area helped me.

I've attached photos of the item. Also on last shako plates what type of lugs should be fitted I.e brass, copper, ect?

I believe it to be a copy, the numbers don’t look right, the badge overall lacks a sharpness about it, and it has the same faults on it as most of the repro plates for sale at the moment, pin is new, which does not help.

[Jack Fletcher]

Really appreciate the advice here and the pointers.

Yes I know I have alot to learn in pursuing this area of collecting but willing to ask questions, do my homework and learn from more experienced collectors.
My collection is predominantly made up of mkII Martini Henry rifles, bayonets and accessories but now moving into this area so I'm use to having to dig deep in my pockets to get nice things but it's all worth it to me to own a piece of history.