The Buffs

[Waterloo1815]

As part of my expanding Buffs collection I've just acquired these two items both described as officers collar badges. One appears to be gilding metal, and the other bronze. Is there any way of dating these, even very roughly? Please see attached pictures.

The other item was described as a trial striking of officers collar badges from a factory clearance in Birmingham's jewelry quarter 'age unknown, but probably 1950's - 1960's'. I purchased these as a curio as they were only £5 and I can use them in the (eventual) display frames for my Buffs badges as corner pieces.

[High Wood]

"For Officers' Service Dress introduced in 1902, Dress Regulations record for the collar badge in bronze. 'as for tunic collar with scroll as for the forage cap'.

These were sealed in 1903 (Fig. 89). They were found too large for the collar and the size was reduced. Two variants of this successive type are known, medium size (Fig. 90) and small size (Fig. 91).

There are many photographs taken during and after WW1 showing both sizes in use by the Officers on their Khaki Drill uniform, and some polished down to base metal".

Colin Churchill. History of the British Army Infantry Collar badge.

[Waterloo1815]

High Wood; many thanks for this information. I will try to track down a copy of Colin Churchill's book, no doubt I'll find one via Abe or similar. As well as expanding my badge collection, I am also expanding my reference book collection! Never a bad thing.