Loyal North Lancs ?

[kingsman]

Aquired as a curiousity several years ago. Can't make up my mind about it, why would anyone produce a copy so obviously suspect. Two piece construction, metal red bronze/copper which has been browned in a substance which is solvent resistant. Stricking of the Imperial crown excellent, rose and ribbon off on right side, fitted with two lugs.
Is it possible that this is a 'Bazaar' produced item intended to replace an Officers OSD badge.
I have never seen another like this.
Comments please.

[Luke H]

Hi Kingsman

I don't think this is a bazaar produced badge as its struck not sand cast whats more the construction method is exactly the same as that of the standard ORs issue. The badge looks like it may have had a bronze wash applied to it possibly to deceive as being an officers or to add age, if you look at the scroll's right hand side you can see the badge has been mis-struck slightly and that rear detail is not fantastic even taking into account the bronze wash. The bronze wash on the rear is very glossy which isn't a good sign making me think its pretty modern. The badge's lugs seem to be the more modern long type with a foot to me possibly. Personally I wouldn't have the badge in my collection and think its probably a restrike.

Restrikers occasionally do some very strange things to badges in the hope we think along the lines of "that's so unusual it can't possibly be a restrike" sadly.

This is just my opinion for whatever its worth please feel free to disagree with anything I've said I'm no expert, but I bet if you were to try and give it a bend it would all too easily.



Cheers,

Luke

[kingsman]

Hi Luke,
I meant 'bazaar' in its broadest sense i.e. to encompass any badge produced from non official sources. With this one I find it odd that as a restrike there are not others about, possibly a trial example on a soft metal prior to mass production (of restrikes).

Tom B.