the loyal regiment KC AA

[JerryBB]

the last badge of last year, I wanted at least one KC AA badge in my collection and was lucky to find this one online. A used example by R A Hughes with the riveted on slider

[Mike H]

Very nice Jerry,never seen another maker or construction method for this badge.

[49lassiepen]

only maker and construction in my collection

[JerryBB]

I did the research before buying and agree, this was the only maker for this badge.

[Mike H]

Strange construction ,the one i had was a bit wobbly . No danger of it separating though.

[49lassiepen]

Same construction as AEA Wiltshire [Grove mfg B'HAM ]-only one I consider to be genuine

[Mike H]

Im in agreement on that David.

[bess55]

One of the more scarcer Kings Crown anodised cap badges. I was told many years ago that recruits were issued them at the depot but on reaching the Battalion, the RSM disliked them intensely and they were cut up with scissors and the lads given 'proper' brass badges.
How true that is, I dont know - but it has a ring of truth and may explain why they are scarce.
As we know anodised alluminium badges in the begining were very unpopular in certain circles . . particularly Guards Bn's.

[JerryBB]

I have heard the same story for staybrite badges in general and I am sure there must be some truth in it.

[dubaiguy]

Originally Posted by bess55

One of the more scarcer Kings Crown anodised cap badges. I was told many years ago that recruits were issued them at the depot but on reaching the Battalion, the RSM disliked them intensely and they were cut up with scissors and the lads given 'proper' brass badges.
How true that is, I dont know - but it has a ring of truth and may explain why they are scarce.
As we know anodised alluminium badges in the begining were very unpopular in certain circles . . particularly Guards Bn's.

Hi Sean
Whatever the reason for their scarcity and in contrast to the pristine QC badges that can be found, I've noticed that the few KC Loyals that do come up all seem to exhibit some form of service wear. Loose crowns, damaged scrolls, bent sliders, gold worn away to dull aluminium on high points etc.

Most look like they've probably had a fair amount of service life. I have a fairly good one, but it took a couple of upgrades to get one I liked.
Cheers
Mark

[49lassiepen]

fortunate mine near mint -part of a nearly full carrier bag of a\a badges purchased late 1970's

[dubaiguy]

Excellent David. Pristine one's are out there somewhere then.
Mark

[Alan O]

That's a great find. There are a number of early a/a that are very hard to find in good condition. The 1st pattern 10th Hussars is rare and usually worn where as the other pattern (different feather shape) are common in mint condition. I have always assumed that these, just like K/C badges. were used up first before the later pattern was made.

Hence the scarcity compared to the later patterns that were:

(a) made in greater numbers
(b) may have been in stock when the regt ceased to exist and the surplus were sold off unissued
(c) made for the collectors markets.
(d) issued to cadets long after the regt ceased to exist (ie Y&L, Cameroninas, DLI etc)

Alan

[bess55]

I have 2 - but one of them has the slider broken off. The intact one is in surprisingly good condition. Both have the rose painted red, as is also found on some Queens Crown examples (and collars).

Bess

[Alan O]

I think that the red paint on the cap badges was a regimental practice after they had been issued. It's likely that the unpainted ones were not worn: hence the mint condition.