Plated Cameron Highlanders Cap Badge

[Sonofacqms]

Well, I was intrigued when I saw this badge at Bedford on the stall of a very respected dealer, so intrigued that I showed it to a collector of far more experience than my collecting years. I bought it and it sits amongst my Northamptonshire items. I would have thought that it was a spurious item but I can't fault the badge. Knowone that I know had heard of a plastic Monmouthshire until the last Bosley postal badge auction, so there still must be items around that don't fit in the accepted pattern.

[Luke H]

Originally Posted by Sonofacqms

Well, I was intrigued when I saw this badge at Bedford on the stall of a very respected dealer, so intrigued that I showed it to a collector of far more experience than my collecting years. I bought it and it sits amongst my Northamptonshire items. I would have thought that it was a spurious item but I can't fault the badge. Knowone that I know had heard of a plastic Monmouthshire until the last Bosley postal badge auction, so there still must be items around that don't fit in the accepted pattern.

Hi Sonofacqms,

Is there any chance of you putting up a picture of said Northants badge to share?

Cheers,

Luke

[Alan O]

The long key Northants was the QVC version with the Regtl castle and originally found with lugs. The short key with the stanadard castle was a sealed pattern in 1901 but it appears that the regt hung on the old style badge for some years. Indeed K&K Vol 1 does not show the second pattern badge at all.

The Long key is found with a slider and has been found in WW1 collections suggesting that was in widespread use then. certainly they are not that rare and can be found for less than a tenner although a dealer would ask twice that. There are also all brass slidered versions of both types.

Alan

[Sonofacqms]

I am sorry to say that my scanner is not working at present otherwise I would share some of my badges online. The "all brass" Northampton is the same as the bi-metal with the long key and regimental castle. When my scanner is in action I will endeavour to put pics up.