R.W.F. Officers' Badges – opinions required please

['Ticker' Riley]

I’ve been looking out for badges at the local boot sales for a while now, but so far the few that I’ve seen have either been modern reproductions/restrikes or have not been what I have a particular interest in. However, this morning I think I may have struck lucky in picking up these six Royal Welsh/Welch Fusiliers officers’ badges - please see attachments (hope this works as I haven’t tried uploading directly to the Forum before!) .

The first OSD cap badge has the wide flame pattern that I’ve seen before (I think Bantam has one similar to this as his avatar?), though I’m not sure if the blades haven’t been refitted/replaced. The second one is a post-1920 ‘Welch’ version, which although un-marked I think could be by Firmin? Number three is only a one-piece construction rather than the usual two, but its poor definition does make me a bit suspicious it could be a fake, whilst the fourth OSD badge carries a Gaunt plaque though sadly has one blade broken. The other two badges are, I believe, collars, though as I am only now beginning to look at the R.W.F.’s badges I’d appreciate some clarification on this. Indeed as I know we have a few Welsh experts on the Forum, I’d really be most grateful for any comments about any or all of the badges. Many thanks.

Best regards

Martin

[GriffMJ]

The second two looked liked "Bronze coated" gilding metal?..... the Gaunt plate looks nice and "un-tidy".

[KLR]

I can't comment in detail (wait for 41st !) but they look like a very nice collection. I've never been to a boot fair in my life, perhaps I ought to !!

['Ticker' Riley]

Hi Griff

Yes, I think you’re right about at least the third OSD badge being a bronze-coated gilding metal one. It’s certainly markedly heavier than the others, though with those long pointed blades I’m hoping it might be an early badge? Mind, still a bit concerned it might be a modern fake - we will see!?

Best regards

Martin

['Ticker' Riley]

Hello Julian

If you have the time it might well be worth your while popping along to a boot sale near you - you never know what you might find! I did actually see a King’s badge today for £5, but thought twice about picking it up for you as you’re probably likely to already have it. To be honest these were the first R.W.F. badges I’d seen ’round here, so zeroed in on them as soon as I spotted them. The fella had one of the OSD badges and the two collars on his table with a few other badges, and wanted £3 or £4 each for them. Whilst I’d seen this chap before I’d never seen him with badges, so had a chat about them and he said he had a few more down on the floor! In the end he agreed to let me have all six badges for £15, which I think was a real bargain. I must say I’ve been a bit envious of some of the boot sale finds other Forum members have had, so was chuffed to bits with today’s find! Mind, that didn’t mean I wasn’t in the dog house with my beloved for spending good money on yet more badges (think I’ll have to raid the piggy bank). Let’s hope Kevin (41st) gives things the thumbs-up?

Best regards

Martin

[Sonofacqms]

Martin, they certainly look good to me, if anyone thinks you have overspent I'm sure some forum members would give you a profit on these great badges, I for one would.