Lost Wax Process

[Holyboy]

Just wondered if anybody else has the view this badge is a dud and made by a lost wax process? Only I’m keen to learn more if it is.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Original-...-127635-2958-0

[norfolk regt man]

Originally Posted by Holyboy

Just wondered if anybody else has the view this badge is a dud and made by a lost wax process? Only I’m keen to learn more if it is.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Original-...-127635-2958-0

Hi dean, the reason I think this badge was made by using a lost wax process ( anytime after 1937) is , if you look at the back of the shield there are some lumps that should not be there, these lumps are caused by the residue left behind as the hot brass melts the wax, the residue floats to the top( in this case the back of the badge) , and stops the brass flowing into that area OR it can damage the mould as it is burnt off, thus making i indent in the mould, which brass flows into.

[Holyboy]

Thanks Andrew so do you think the badge is a modern repro or was it made period using the lost wax method? The slider looks good and it’s not what I’d expect to see on a badge made in the 1980s.

[Alan O]

Unless it was made overseas then it would be die struck or die cast and not by lost wax.

Imo this is made using a pitted die rather than lost wax. The pits are often caused by corrosion and often found on old dies that have been used to make restrikes.

[norfolk regt man]

Originally Posted by Holyboy

Thanks Andrew so do you think the badge is a modern repro or was it made period using the lost wax method? The slider looks good and it’s not what I’d expect to see on a badge made in the 1980s.

Hi dean, I feel the badge dates from early in regiments history, most likely cast abroad. The colour of the brass is good, these days there is a lot of chemicals the contaminate the brass, giving it a softer gold colour, ie mould release agents, flow agents ( silicone), latex, and the brass is watered down will other metals. 80 years ago the brass used abroad was scrap, so could be another 80 years old, making one of the nicest metals you could ever work with.

[Holyboy]

Thanks gents Andrew thanks I know you know your metal and metal work so it’s all very interesting and you’re always at school.

[magpie]

Looks a die struck badge to me.

[Luke H]

Originally Posted by magpie

Looks a die struck badge to me.

I agree.

[cbuehler]

It is a die struck badge without doubt.

CB
PS, unless I am missing something here, it appears to be a typical ww2 era issue badge as well.

[Holyboy]

I think it’s a pattern that was used if not originating in WW2 I have one that came with my grandads WW2 medals. It’s quite distinctive and different to the Gaunt and Firmin strikes you see which are pretty much the same and ditto for the beret version. That was my original question is it a WW2 strike as it were?

But then the idea was offered up that the version on EBay I’d used an an example is a lost wax copy. Now I know nothing about lost wax but I do know that Norfolk Regt Man does as he knows metals and the techniques of working with them.

I think I’ve inadvertently opened a can of worms. IMOO based on what I know I’d buy the badge if I wanted it as it looks ok to me and the slider has a nice shape and crimp etc. Is it a lost wax version? I’ve no idea but I had no idea a day ago.

Thanks for everyone’s comments it just goes to show that badge collecting is not an exact science, opinions can vary and there’s always something new to learn.

[Sonofacqms]

Originally Posted by Holyboy

Thanks Andrew so do you think the badge is a modern repro or was it made period using the lost wax method? The slider looks good and it’s not what I’d expect to see on a badge made in the 1980s.

I don't think the lost wax system was in use to make this badge, why would this be used to make a very common cap badge?

As I am aware the "lost wax" process is used for faking rare badges, not for creating fake line Regiment badges.

Rob