WW2 Economy Plastic RA

[Mike_2817]

Originally Posted by magpie

Unfortunately yes, the plastic degrades shrinks, warps and looses it's colour and at sometime most of the plastics around now that are in good shape will start to happen to them unless there's a way of conserving them.
Just my opinions there.
Andy

Its an un-stoppable chemical process that is at work here, and you can only really slow it down, by keeping plastic badges out of direct sunlight, not in contact with other synthetic materials.

Museums have the problem even with more modern synthetics. They were never meant to last 50 years plus! [Make that 70 years! for the badges]

http://www.getty.edu/conservation/ou...ence/plastics/

[ray smith]

These are two different A Stanley Grenade badges also a Gun Badge.

[Brian Conyngham]

Ray

I have never seen the plastic gun version out here, must try and look harder!

Are they common?

Brian

[54Bty]

Originally Posted by Brian Conyngham

Ray

I have never seen the plastic gun version out here, must try and look harder!

Are they common?

Brian

At over £100 each not all that common. Same goes for the Malta one.

Marc

[ray smith]

Hi Marc,
From what I have seen of these gun badges being sold I think you can change your estimate to £200
Regards
Ray

[Brian Conyngham]

Guys

That is not cheap...sometimes we are lucky in the "Colonies", these items find their way to flea markets and the people have no idea as to their value.

I need to really keep the eyes peeled.

Regards
Brian

[Mike_2817]

Sometimes happens in the UK as well Brian, A house clearance sometimes brings up a few gems that end up in Charity Shops or Flea Market or Car Boot Sale.

I picked up a RAOC Flag in fairly good condition which stank of tabaco, which after a wash in a machine (shock horror I hear, but probably the only time it's ever been washed) needed a minor patch, and is now used to fly at Regimental weekends etc.

[Fatboy Ken]

Talking of FLAGS,

I was given a number of FLAGS relating to the RCT, ....... for nothing !!! I could've followed through in my pants (for want of a better word)

The RCT flag sells for a staggering £180+
The RCT (ACF) Association Flag (priceless)

But to top this off he also gave me (borrowed) from the Royal Tournament;

1 x Royal Flag (Queens Emblem) 8' x 5' (Massive)
1 x Army Flag (MOD Army) 10' x 6' (You would lose my estate car beneath it)

They are too big to photograph guys, sorry

Ken (The Fatboy)

[Sonofacqms]

I was at a very large car boot sale earlier this year and was fortunate enough to buy some badges which came from a house clearance, this was told to me by the seller who also told me he'd sold a Plastic "gun" badge for £4.

Also he'd sold a group of Great War medals which had paperwork with them, I never asked what they sold for after the price realised for the Plastic "gun" badge.

It is still out there, you have to be in the right place at the right time.

Rob

[ray smith]

Hi Robert,
Remember the two RAEC badges a couple of years ago.

[Sonofacqms]

Ray,

That was one hell of a long shot and right on your home turf, great stuff.

All the best for 2015

Rob

[Noxin]

Originally Posted by ray smith

These are two different A Stanley Grenade badges also a Gun Badge.

Hello Ray,

Is the gun badge maker-marked too?

With thanks,

N

[ray smith]

Hi Noxin,
No there is no makers mark on the back of the R A Plastic Gun Badge.
Regards
Ray

[ray smith]

Originally Posted by ray smith

Hi Noxin,
No there is no makers mark on the back of the R A Plastic Gun Badge.
Regards
Ray

Hi Noxin.
I forgot to say A firm called Plastic Fashions made all 29,232 of these badges.
Regards
Ray

[Noxin]

I

Originally Posted by ray smith

Hi Noxin.
I forgot to say A firm called Plastic Fashions made all 29,232 of these badges.
Regards
Ray

Thanks Ray,

Hence the reason I asked.

I believe PF did not mark their badges. I wonder if there is a list somewhere of other makers/manufacturers who are known for not marking their wares.

I also believe that in addition to the 29,232 that were ordered in September 1942, PF eventually delivered a further 6648, meeting an order dated June 1943, which brought the total to almost 36,000.

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

All the best,

N