RAF all metal officer badges

[Alex Rice]

Hi All
Here are a few examples of RAF all metal cap badges. The first is the early RAF badge by Gaunt, from the 1918-20 period, which has shapes rather than 'jewels' in the brow of the crown. The second I believe is a WWII economy, which has enameled jewels in the crown. The last one I am not sure of. It looks like the WWII economy type but the jewels in the crown are the same as the 1918 type.
I'd appreciate if anyone has any opinions on whether this is a WWII economy badge or a variation of the 1918 badge.
Thanks, cheers,
Alex

[arrestingu]

Hi Alex,
Far left WW1, middle 1930s I believe , last 1940s
Cheers
Steve

[dragon166]

Here are some from my collection, all metal and a pair of hybrid items. The first two are from 1918-1920 era and the last two from 1939-1945.
Dave

[RCAF_Mike]

Originally Posted by dragon166

Here are some from my collection, all metal and a pair of hybrid items. The first two are from 1918-1920 era and the last two from 1939-1945.
Dave

Dave I'd love to see the back of that second one.... The "Hybrid"

[dragon166]

Hi Mike
I don't think you will gain much by seeing the back as it is heavily paper covered having been in several collections no doubt. You can just see the bent over lug of the WO badge part on the left hand side.
Dave

[Alex Rice]

Thanks for the replies, very interesting!
Dave - you've labelled your Gaunt WWI badge as 'silver'. Were these badges gilded silver or is there a maker plate to indicate it is silver?
Cheers,
Alex

[dragon166]

Alex, they were made from gilded silver but there are no available indicators due to the riveted construction. The wear on my crown just shows the silver underneath.
Dave

[Alex Rice]

Thanks Dave.

[manchesters]

I have a smaller version, KC, all gilt metal, one piece with a silver crown base, very well made.

I assumed it was for the beret. If so what RAF officers in WW2 wore a beret? RAF Regiment?

regards

[dragon166]

It is a beret badge Simon but not WWII. In WWII RAF Regiment officers who wore berets wore the crown and eagle (FS cap badge) up to 1949. The item you describe was the first type beret badge after that time. The QC version is still worn today by Regiment Officers and by Officer Cadets undergoing training at Cranwell.
Dave

[manchesters]

Thanks Dave

[Frank Kelley]

Those are all quite nice, I particularly like the latter "bits" badge, a case of waste not, want not.

Originally Posted by Alex Rice

Hi All
Here are a few examples of RAF all metal cap badges. The first is the early RAF badge by Gaunt, from the 1918-20 period, which has shapes rather than 'jewels' in the brow of the crown. The second I believe is a WWII economy, which has enameled jewels in the crown. The last one I am not sure of. It looks like the WWII economy type but the jewels in the crown are the same as the 1918 type.
I'd appreciate if anyone has any opinions on whether this is a WWII economy badge or a variation of the 1918 badge.
Thanks, cheers,
Alex

[Frank Kelley]

I think it is important to note that prior to July 1919, the "new" badge for WO1's was actually an officers economy badge and was worn as such by some.

Originally Posted by dragon166

Hi Mike
I don't think you will gain much by seeing the back as it is heavily paper covered having been in several collections no doubt. You can just see the bent over lug of the WO badge part on the left hand side.
Dave

[dragon166]

Frank thanks for the note. I used the "WO" description as this is what most people would have recognised the part as. Attached is the entry from my book relating to the use of these cap badges.
Dave

[Frank Kelley]

Both Lambourne and Gaunt advertised them as silver gilt and the latter certainly labelled them as such, on occasion.

Originally Posted by Alex Rice

Thanks for the replies, very interesting!
Dave - you've labelled your Gaunt WWI badge as 'silver'. Were these badges gilded silver or is there a maker plate to indicate it is silver?
Cheers,
Alex