3 artillery badges

[manchesters]

Frank,

I will always associate NFA with No Fixed Abode

nice badge

regarsd

[Frank Kelley]

Hello Simon,
Thanks, their little helmet badge has always been a favourite, when I see any NFA, I always think of the bitter fighting on the 21st of October 1899, interestingly, today is yet another anniversary of that same very bloody day.
Regards Frank

[Brian Conyngham]

Originally Posted by Frank Kelley

Certainly not, by any means whatsoever, an artillery collector, but, here is my contribution to this thread, okay, so not rare, notwithstanding, still an antique in the real sense of the word.
One for Brian, perhaps.

Hi Frank

Yes, I have one of these rare beauties (they are!), the jury is still out on it being either a cross belt or headress badge, what are your feelings?

Yes, the poor NFA did not have their best day at the Battle of Elandslaagte did they, out-gunned by the Boers but at least they did their bit regardless. One of my "favourite" local units, served as a barman in the NCO mess (during my National Service) on a number of occasions and made friends with a few of their senior NCO's. A great bunch of guys. My brother was transport NCO for a short while as well, hence the interest.

WW2 and their stand at Rigel Ridge restored a lot a pride.

Brian

[Frank Kelley]

Hello Brian,
I've never really thought of them as rare, but, to be quite honest with you, I have not actually looked for any of these for a least two decades now, a possible reason for any such scarcity has to be just how fragile they are, still nicely struck, although rather thin and sharp.
I am not familiar with any question of what these are and I'm with the late Doctor Mitchell on this, whilst they have copper loops, now I know these were used on belts and pouches, as opposed to just screw posts, he was of the opinion that they were worn on their helmets just into the union.
Regards Frank

[Brian Conyngham]

Hi Frank

My personal feeling is that due to them being so fragile (mine has a small break) it is quite possible that they were cross belt badges where the belt would have given it some support. All headdress badges and helmet badges are normally of a stronger construction. However I could be wrong, just never seen a picture with the said badge being worn.

I am hoping to have a meeting with an ex RSM, one of these days and will pop the question to him. He is assisting in finally getting a complete history of the NFA together with a few other like minded chaps. I would like to see their photos's and am hoping to clear up a few questions.

Brian

[Frank Kelley]

Hello Brian,
I would expect to have seen posts or blades rather than loops in common with most, although, certainly not all, Natal Volunteer and Militia belt and pouch badges, like the Natal Carbineers and your lovely NFA, which I very much like.
I also value Frank Mitchell's opinion, simply because he was around, collecting, well before I was and obtained much of his collection from original owners and recipients.
Regards again Frank

[54Bty]

Can someone please tell me if this is a badge for the SAA or another country? It is not Australian.

Marc

[manchesters]

Marc,

Its not S. African they didnt wear standard RA badges.

Unless you know something different its an early (looped) British badge.

regards

[Frank Kelley]

That's very nice, British and certainly not South African it appears to be a white metal example with very considerable age, a pity about it's top lug.

Originally Posted by 54Bty

Can someone please tell me if this is a badge for the SAA or another country? It is not Australian.

Marc

[manchesters]

Originally Posted by Frank Kelley

That's very nice, British and certainly not South African it appears to be a white metal example with very considerable age, a pity about it's top lug.

Frank,

WM? I was convinced it was GM.

regards

[Frank Kelley]

LOL, I thought it was WM, I've certainly taken odd pictures of brass badges in the past and they have appeared on screen rather washed out, maybe Marc will tell us!
I quite like it either way!

[54Bty]

It is not white metal, and I have not come across any badges with 3 lugs worn by the Royal Regiment of Artillery.

Marc

[manchesters]

Marc,

I have several examples of the early badges with 2 loops on the rear which is probably the most common combination. The loops can be found in 3 different places, namely the rear of the top scroll, the rear of the wheel and the rear of the lower scroll.

I also have 3 examples on 3 loops.

2 have JR Gaunt plaques and one doesnt, so they are out there.

regards

[54Bty]

Originally Posted by manchesters

Marc,

I have several examples of the early badges with 2 loops on the rear which is probably the most common combination. The loops can be found in 3 different places, namely the rear of the top scroll, the rear of the wheel and the rear of the lower scroll.

I also have 3 examples on 3 loops.

2 have JR Gaunt plaques and one doesnt, so they are out there.

regards

Lugs on the upper scroll and wheel I accept as the early versions, but, I have not found any evidence of badges being used by the Royal Regiment of Artillery with lugs on the lower scroll or with the three.

Are the JR Gaunt badges the Officers version?

Marc

[manchesters]

Marc,

I will try & do some photos later.

regards