Commemorative or Fundraising ?

[mike_vee]

An 'impulse' buy , although damaged it caught my eye.

The inscription “DOING HIS COUNTRY’S WORK” is similar to Boer War commemorative items referencing a quote from Rudyard Kipling.

The badge (22mm) is marked STERLING on the reverse and R.D. 641136.

Found a photo of another badge from the same period (pic 3) , anyone got any information ?

Will probably move it on.

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[Hawthorn]

Mike,

Although relating to The Great War I wonder if there is a connection with Jack Cornwell VC, the design reminds me of the somewhat romantic images of his exploits shown in the press of the time and this may have been seen as an evocative image to use on patriotic badges of the time by the badge maker.

Simon.

[Chipper]

Hi Mike
Just one bit to add:
the RD number I think, relates to late 1915.

Cheers, Tim

[mike_vee]

Originally Posted by Hawthorn

Mike,

Although relating to The Great War I wonder if there is a connection with Jack Cornwell VC, the design reminds me of the somewhat romantic images of his exploits shown in the press of the time and this may have been seen as an evocative image to use on patriotic badges of the time by the badge maker.

Simon.

That definitely seem likely , this card seems to confirm it.

.

[mike_vee]

Originally Posted by Chipper

Hi Mike
Just one bit to add:
the RD number I think, relates to late 1915.

Cheers, Tim

A quick check confirms that but if it is based on Jack Cornwell VC then it would have to have been designed/manufactured after his death on 2 June 1916. (He first joined HMS Chester on Easter Monday 1916)

Q:Were RD numbers issued from January to December or at another point in the year ?

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[Charliedog012012]

Originally Posted by Chipper

Hi Mike
Just one bit to add:
the RD number I think, relates to late 1915.

Cheers, Tim

Actually late 1914. The 1915 RD numbers begin at 644935. The RD numbers appear to have been issued throughout the year and not just the beginning or the end. One has to be careful because the RD number gives the registration of the design patent and badges of similar design can bear the patent number but actually be manufactured in a later year. It is possible therefore that a patented design has been slightly modified to commemorate the bravery of Jack Cornwall.
Cheers
James

[Chipper]

thanks James, was typing and googling at the same time. The wife says I can't/shouldn't do 2 things at once!

cheers, Tim

Originally Posted by Charliedog012012

Actually late 1914. The 1915 RD numbers begin at 644935. The RD numbers appear to have been issued throughout the year and not just the beginning or the end. One has to be careful because the RD number gives the registration of the design patent and badges of similar design can bear the patent number but actually be manufactured in a later year. It is possible therefore that a patented design has been slightly modified to commemorate the bravery of Jack Cornwall.
Cheers
James

[Charliedog012012]

I have no problem doing two things at the same time. For example, I can sleep and breathe at the same time!

[mike_vee]

Originally Posted by Charliedog012012

The 1915 RD numbers begin at 644935.

It is possible therefore that a patented design has been slightly modified to commemorate the bravery of Jack Cornwall.

The British Library has 1915 starting at 642,613 but what's a couple of thousand between friends .

I think you are correct about patented designs being slightly modified as the other badge I posted a photo of has the exact same design number.

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[dumdum]

Hi all

That talk of the RD numbers has led me to again post my mystery badge that clearly shows an enamel version of the Derby Scheme armband.

It has an RD number that could be either: 655797 or 653797. The RD number is in raised numerals and not incuse meaning that this was stamped into the hammer head as the badge was struck. No maker's mark or even initials.

Just waiting for some kind-soul to be prepared to visit PRO and look up the Board of Trade folders. Oh, there's a bit of dosh in it too!

The Forum has been so good in the past that it would be nice if someone can advance a theory on what the badge might be for or who might have worn it. Presumably it post-dates the Derby Scheme or ran alongside it.

[dumdum]

Oh, and re your badge. I've seen an oval gilded red, white and blue enamel effort with a chap knocking out shells with some legend of "Doing His Bit" around the outer.

I would think yours is one of those patriotic badges that were sold in aid of the war effort.

One point to note is the slight hollow-backed reverse. This, I'm told, has the effect of bringing up detail on a badge with some depth and detail and also, with a silver badge, allowing it to be made of slightly thinner material.

The flaked enamel would suggest that there wasn't a lot of thickness anyway....

[Charliedog012012]

Either one of the numbers would be 1916......so I guess it is 1916. As for its use, I would have no idea.
Cheers
James

[mike_vee]

Originally Posted by dumdum

Hi all
That talk of the RD numbers has led me to again post my mystery badge that clearly shows an enamel version of the Derby Scheme armband.

The Forum has been so good in the past that it would be nice if someone can advance a theory on what the badge might be for or who might have worn it. Presumably it post-dates the Derby Scheme or ran alongside it.

The badge is a bit if a 'mongrel' , the scheme was officially called the Group Scheme but soon became known as the Derby Scheme . Posters from late 1915 show both names being used so it is possible your badge mixed both names and ended up as the Derby Group.

The Derby scheme did not run for very long (1 year ?) as conscription was introduced , so it's possible the badge was made for officials overseeing the scheme.

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[dumdum]

Hi Mike and James

I've posted this badge several times and at last we seem to be getting somewhere!

I'd thought that it might be Derby Group but nothing seemed to have cropped up under this heading.

The key is possibly that RD number but I contacted PRO who wanted about 40 nicker just to look for the number!

There must be other examples lurking around somewhere but, while I do like a mystery, I also like to know.

Cheers and thanks!