14th A/A opinions?

[MarkMcM]

Hi All,

Unmarked. Good or not so good?…

[Alan O]

It looks fine to me. Lots of A/A badges were sold commercially but they came form the genuine makers so can't be told apart from those from the QMs. There used to be an old fashioned hardware store in the row of shops in Tidorth Garrison where you could buy anything from the humble AAC to the SAS and lots in between.

[MarkMcM]

Thanks Alan!

So from that I can surmise that all issue A/A badges will be marked?

[Alan O]

No they are not all marked. I have some old ones that are not. Also modern ones are blank.

[Alan O]

Yours was made by Gaunt's Bham.

Alan

[MarkMcM]

Great info! Thanks again Alan!

[49lassiepen]

As Alan O said early K/C a/a are unmarked not to be confused with the later 1980's unmarked John Gaylor commissioned made items Following m o d 'instructions' all modern badges are unmarked
David

[MarkMcM]

Originally Posted by 49lassiepen

As Alan O said early K/C a/a are unmarked not to be confused with the later 1980's unmarked John Gaylor commissioned made items Following m o d 'instructions' all modern badges are unmarked
David

out of curiosity, what year did A/A badges start to be issued?

[Ex Supt Clk RAOC]

Originally Posted by MarkMcM

out of curiosity, what year did A/A badges start to be issued?

I believe that trials and development of AA badges started in the late 40's, an example of which is the 1949 pattern RAOC badge with a Tudor (Kings) Crown.
The authorisation for wear of AA badges occurred around 1951 but it was not until the early 60's that badges started to be issued in any great numbers.

Obviously it took time to get patterns approved and for manufacturers to gear up for production between the date the Army Dress Committee authorised the wear of AA badges and the time they eventually arrived at the QMs and started to be issued.

Hope this answers your question
Steve

[Alan O]

Chris Marsh has found records saying that they began to trial them in 1951 which was when the first ones were made after a WODC meeting of 1950 decided to investigate their use. So he dates the first use to November 1951.

[grey_green_acorn]

Some extra information, photos and dating of 14/20H cap badges in this thread:

https://www.britishbadgeforum.com/fo...ad.php?t=71554

Tim

[grey_green_acorn]

Here are few versions that I have:
DOWLER, GAUNT, Blank Slider and early all gold SMITH & WRIGHT

Tim

[Alan O]

Originally Posted by MarkMcM

out of curiosity, what year did A/A badges start to be issued?

I think it is important to remember that existing stocks were used up first. This included the plastic economy badges from WW2 and there is evidence that National Servicemean were issued plastic badges in the 1950s and also that the old brass ones were recycled from demobbing soldiers.

Some if not most infantry and cavalry soldiers were still wearing metal badges at amalgamation in 1958-50. The 1958 Brigade system badges were all in a/a (although fakers do pass off metal Home Counties brigade as genuine) and the merged cavalry regiments wore a/a at the outset.

Alan

[MarkMcM]

many thanks for all replies!