Silver Military Brooches

[monty]

I`ve put these on the forum to have some feedback.They are all silver,Hallmaked except 6th Hants.They are all top draw in terms of how they were made,Even better than a lot of hallmarked silver cap badges.The Norfolk by Gaunt even looks side cap?.Manythanks

[Peter Brydon]

Monty,

Very nice, I have recently started to collect some Kings Liverpool sweethearts ( in a variety of metals and finishes ) having had a few through my hands and having let them go over the years.

Unfortunatly the value of these badges appears to be on the increase ( unless you happen to have a lot of them already and probably think the price increases are no bad thing )

I am sure like others you probably look occasionally on the" Regimental Brooches" web site ( part of the Bosleys set up ) to see what other people seem to be prepared to pay for such items.

P.B.

[Sonofacqms]

Good quality sweetheart badges have made good money for a long time as have all good military badges, these seem to be still on the upward climb despite the "Austerity Budget". As people get less returns for investing money with deposit takers, they tend to invest in other items, not always knowing what they are buying. Good for dealers, bad for collectors . . !

[monty]

Yes some fair comments on the state of the hobby.If you are of a certain vintage you can remember the good old days.Mine were mid 1970s pennyfarthing street Salisbury,Alec`s.At that time You could pick these things up for next to nothing.They were off the radar in terms of People wanting them.I agree about the investor comments,Look on the bright side its hit the Medal collectors harder.One more thing worth saying on better Regimental brooches.To date I have not seen a high end fake.I`m sure we will all agree it has not done the badge side any favours.[Honest Alec If you are looking down on me you were a goodun].

[Staffsyeoman]

The MGC collar is a post-1919 Officer's collar badge in silver which had had a brooch fitting added. It is missing one lug. The cap badge was the same size, but tended to have blades.

[Peter Brydon]

As with most types of militaria,it is the best quality items that will sell quickly and achieve the best prices and will prove to be the best " investments" over time, but I do wonder if perhaps it is the recent increase in interest in WW1 especially ,and family history in general, that is one of the main reasons for the increase in value/demand for sweethearts brooches.

I noticed today that a couple of dealers at Liverpool were asking over the odds for base metal or damaged sweethearts brooches which they have had in their stock for some considerable time.

Going a bit further,some dealers seem almost scared of selling items for a little less than their full market value ( whatever that is percieved to be ). I would have thought that it is better to make a small profit and turn your stock over quickly with a small profit and then move on, but what do I know !!
P.B.

[James G]

Monty,

I really wouldn't use the "Regimental Broaches" web site as an indicator of market prices. Most of the broaches on that site are several times more expensive than they are at Militaria fairs. In fact I would say the prices are little short of scandalous. Still it's been around for several years so there must be people around who are prepared to buy them.

James

[monty]

Yet more really good/Useful comments.thanks for the advice on the MGC,I think what always sent me down a blind alley is the fact that its none voided below the crown,Manythanks SaffsYeo.On the well known brooch site, I agree the prices are to high.There is an argument for the gold ones.I will post a new thread with the Hants/Royal Sussex I have in my collection.These are very clever things.At the time of sale would have cost alot of money.Manythanks for your comments.Monty