Canada Overseas Battalion 235

[Ron C.]

I assume it is pretty much like the others I have posted.......WW 1 period and fairly common badge......is that correct?

Thanks,
Ron

[Adam H]

Indeed, WWI...a collar badge I would say since the beast is facing the opposite was as it does in the cap badge. A fairly common one.

According to one reference it is correct for some of these to come with a pin fitting. However, some badge manufacturers did make "sweetheart" badges which were made from collar badge dies, so somewhat difficult to say in this instance whether an actual collar or a sweetheart. Nice all the same.

Cheers,

Adam

[paulbear]

Having what is called a pickled bronze finish this is most likely an officer collar not a sweetheart also the heavier pin back is common to many other officer examples. THE COLLAR should sell for no less than 18.00

regards PAUL

[Adam H]

Not an officers' collar as it doesn't have the silver overlay. But certainly possible as a O/R collar.

[paulbear]

[QUOTE=Adam J. Haslett;1948052]Not an officers' collar as it doesn't have the silver overlay. But certainly possible as a O/R collar.[/QUOT

Wrong sorry in actual fact very few officer badges of the cef where silver but where in fact higher quality strikings of the same badge the or wore but like this one defined also by the pin back. I have what is said to be the most comprehensive cef collection know and the is the dynamics which appear in my collection of several thousand insignia. how many pretty fops died because of their pretty silver thing shining in the huns crosshair. In actual fact very few units authorized any special officer badge for wear in France .

Paul

[Adam H]

Congrats on your collection, I'm sure we're all very impressed. Over-compensating much? lol

However, while you are correct that some/many badges worn by officers were somewhat better versions of O/R badges, the point is they can't be clearly IDed as a distinct officers' version, like multi-piece badges and those with silver overlays etc. Try selling this badge as a officers' pattern and most collectors would not see it as such, especially when known patterns exist.

True, entirely possible this was owned and worn by an officer, but it can't be called an officer's badge per se. If I wear a badge normally worn by NCMs...does that now make this an officers' badge because I hold a commission? Don't think so!

[paulbear]

D'ont fall on your ego my friend my collection is not overstated ask around EG URSUAL CLINE BROOKER they know it very well. I have been collecting and researching the CEF for most of my 37 years service in the CF.
Getting back to overlay badges do you have any idea what the ratio of badges to officers is for units known to have one ? I'll give you a hint it is very very low
except for units like the 85 .

regards PAUL

[Adam H]

I agree the majority of CEF units did not have overlay badges that distinguished and officers' pattern. My only point was, when an officers' pattern is known to exist for a certain unit/battalion, it seems that this is the only accepted version of an "officers'" badge, even if some officers wore O/R type badges.

I know of your collection and am sure it's impressive, if you are into CEF badge collecting. I've seen some very nice collections over the years but have never been that into the theme myself.

[paulbear]

Adam that is one reason my collection is so huge it is the variations point in case the 85th battn I have three officer badges only one being and overlay pattern.

PAUL

[Adam H]

Hmm a friend of mine has at least 3 or 4 different 85th officers badges and I am sure they are all multi-piece. Strange.

[paulbear]

hmmm are you sure , somewhat sure or just playing one upsman ship with me

[Adam H]

Come on don't you have the biggest collection in the world? You must know there are!

Seriously I am just taking the piss about that, Paul, no hard feelings!

Honestly, it was awhile ago when I saw them but he had numerous varieties of NS badges and I am sure at least a few patterns of 85th by different makers. All somewhat similar but distinctly different in assembly. Pretty sure one was McDougall but unsure if the others were marked or not.

I will ask him about it next time I see him. Another friend has a few examples as well so will bend his ear as well.

I'm really not a badge guy so I don't tend to pay as close attention as I probably should.

[Adam H]

Paul,

Now you have me curious and I am always eager to learn. How do you distinguish a 85th officers' badge from an O/R badge if it is not a multi-piece badge?

Are there gilted or silver(ed) examples? I only remember seeing the standard pickled or browning finish...and the multi-piece officer type with either white metal/bronze or silver/gilt finishes.

Would love to see some of your collection, and I'm sure others would too.

I have some badges but mostly regimental in nature so not that interesting to most, although there is the odd other things kicking around.

[paulbear]

silver rare EATONS PATTERN

[paulbear]

Voided Silver Wash Pattern Officer