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Old 05-09-20, 12:28 PM
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Default 4th Gurkhas Info please

Hello,
Does anyone know if the fourth Gurkha's ever issued a badge as a variant, without blackened handles? Or if they ever issued a chromed badge with blackened handles? I have some Gurkha badges that I will post photos of shortly for opinions. Basically I'm clueless about these units

Cheers
Billyh
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Old 05-09-20, 12:55 PM
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Hi,
4th GR didn't issue them as such,, but many post 1944 badges made locally had horn or wood handles added to the kukri's, allegedly for walking out. Some Issue badges tended to have the handles painted black to tart them up.
Post independence (without PoW feathers) tend to be chromed with black painted handles. with or without the Lions of Ashok.

regards
Steve
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Old 05-09-20, 04:02 PM
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Thanks Steve. I take it they did wear a plain white metal badge with POW feathers then.
What about chromed badges? Did they ever wear them? blackened handles or otherwise?
Cheers
Billyh
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Old 06-09-20, 10:09 AM
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Re the above. I forgot to add chrome badges before 1947
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Old 06-09-20, 10:21 AM
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Hi Steve - the design in question was introduced in the later part of WW2 - The badge reflected the Regimental Crest which had been around since 1924 ( when the Regt became the Prince of Wale's Own) - according to the Gurkha Museum - there was a variant with blackened handles or handles made with horn - I also have some theatre made examples with the handles made in horn. The badge most often seen on ebay is the white metal die stuck version - because it's been copied to death. As for the chrome version I don't think it would have been worn by the Regt prior to 1950. After 1947 the Rgt continued to wear the old badge in the 1950's the POW feathers were dropped and it wasn't until 1988 that the Ashok Lions were introduced to the badge where the POW feathers had been. My best guess on the chrome badges is that they are probably reproductions. Tim
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Old 06-09-20, 10:31 AM
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Thanks for the detailed information Tim. I'll try to post the badges I have tomorrow for opinions.
Billyh
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