Gold wash cap badges

[JunoCA]

Does anyone know when the Canadian army began gold washing cap badges. Were these bright lighter badges a late war economy feature?

[Bill A]

Hello JunoCA, welcome to the Forum. Your account is active and open for posts.

[Bill A]

Could you clarify your question? Gold wash finishes were not used during the Second WW.

[JunoCA]

Thanks. I am curious about the bright yellow finish on many King’s crown regimental cap badges. They are certainly lighter and don’t require the polishing of wartime badges. I suppose they were an early form of staybrite.

[denis pannett]

I have a number of gold washed infantry badges that my father collected for me in WW2 so I know they are genuine, photos of two attached. Denis

[Bill A]

I think the finish JunoCA is asking about is actually a coating applied by the manufacturer. It is not anodized or "staybrite".