Highland Light Infantry Badge Variations.

[leigh kitchen]

Hello Leigh, is this the same one as posted above? This came from a US engineer vet, who was D-Day 2. thanks David

Yep, it's the Other Ranks type, in use from about 1902 - 1950's.

[Keith Blakeman]

Still waiting to get my hands on one of these..............

Leigh,

Funny thing it, if I remember rightly Wilkinson book probably the 1997 edition with price guides quotes the two versions as worth the same. This is the only long scroll I've ever seen and only picked it up recently. Does anyone know why there are two versions as this is quite a significant difference in patterns. My guess is it's due to production by the same manufacturer of the 2nd VB badge (attached) which also has the long scroll. (Shame this one is imperfect... below the l/h bottom of the elephant).

Keith

[sb98]

Possibly a form of plated plaid brooch?

Hi Leigh,

It's pretty neat whatever it is. I thought the "Made in England" might rule it out as an "official" piece. I don't know if my thinking is correct on that or not. The obverse and the size match a standard badge. If anyone recognizes it please let me know what it is.

Keith - nice badges

Cheers,
Tim

[leigh kitchen]

Leigh,

Funny thing it, if I remember rightly Wilkinson book probably the 1997 edition with price guides quotes the two versions as worth the same. This is the only long scroll I've ever seen and only picked it up recently. Does anyone know why there are two versions as this is quite a significant difference in patterns. My guess is it's due to production by the same manufacturer of the 2nd VB badge (attached) which also has the long scroll. (Shame this one is imperfect... below the l/h bottom of the elephant).

Keith

Could be, 'tho the long scroll Assaye & long scroll 2VB that you show appear to have been struck on different dies.

[Jim Maclean]

(Shame this one is imperfect... below the l/h bottom of the elephant).

Keith

Nice badge Keith

[Keith Blakeman]

Could be, 'tho the long scroll Assaye & long scroll 2VB that you show appear to have been struck on different dies.

Leigh,

I'm sure you're right. I've just been going through a whole load of badges which I'm soon to be selling including two HLI regulars and the differences between the two are numerous. The ones which really stand out are the ends of the scroll where the 'V' is really seperated, on the same badge underneath the belly of the elephant is one of the lozenges of the star surround and finally the elephant is extremely angry looking and has really pointed ears unlike the other badge which has rounded ears, no lozenge and a shorter stubby scroll. I'll have to go through all now to decide which to keep!! Sorry I can't post pictures I don't have them.

Jim,

I wondered how my badge had suddenly aquired a green background!! So the 'imperfection' is not so...fine by me, I can sleep happy tonight!!

Were Scottish regimental badges manufactured by the usual culprits? I only posssess one with a Gaunt stamp (Liverpool Scottish) probably because it is silvered. I'm suprised that if the likes of Gaunt & Firmin made them they didn't have the small plaque...or did they??

Thanks to you both

Regards,

Keith

[leigh kitchen]

Offhand, I can't think of any of my Scottish badges with manufacturers marks.
I've always been under the impression that the Gaunt & Firmin plates were less widespread than the unmarked loop fitted badges.
They crop up on some units such as the RND battalions, BSAP helmet plate, white metal pattern of the KOSB officers, markings on the slider, or gaunt & Firmin plates.
I don't have many badges with the manufacturers plates, & don't know much about them.

[leigh kitchen]

Arrrived this morning, at last a King's Crown regular battalions Other Ranks white metal long scroll version.
It's got a noticable die flaw on the bell of the French horn & quite delicate copper loop fittings, the brazing looks okay.
From the flaw etc, looks like the same die as the one posted by Keith on page 1 of this thread.

[paul w]

Hli

Nice set of badges Leigh,here's the one from my collection with shoulder title.I think your comments about the AWI are spot on.No battle honours were ever awarded despite the fantastic effort put in by regiments like the 71st to keep king George his colonies over the pond.A much maligned army (Hollywood!) but a very experienced,tough and professional one (its one of my favourite periods so I'm taking the opportunity to rant!).Cheers,


Paul

[paul w]

Hli

Back.

[max7474]

Comprehensive collection but where are the Glasgow Highlanders (9th bn) ones?

[leigh kitchen]

Seen quite a few of their badges around, but have'nt trusted the ones I've seen to be original.

I've spent years concentrating on the regular infantry, so I'm short on items & knowledge of TA, cavalry & corps.

[max7474]

Seen quite a few of their badges around, but have'nt trusted the ones I've seen to be original.

I've spent years concentrating on the regular infantry, so I'm short on items & knowledge of TA, cavalry & corps.

I have just bought a 1st bn Glasgow Highlanders (HLI) post 1939 from a dealer in Taunton that I consider to be genuine as it has good stamping, polish to high points, honest tarnish etc and the dealer has always had good judgement in the past. I have seen copies in the past and the key difference in construction is the deepness of the badge - the copies are a lot flatter while this one is quite 'domed'. I have found this in alot of BW badges as well.

[leigh kitchen]

The last ones I saw a couple of months ago in Peterborough were different to each other - one flatter than the other, quality of metal & patina etc completely different.

Picked up another Victorian regular's & another St Eds. Crown one a little while ago, & found a TA version last year in Darwin - unfortunately it was entrusted to my girlfriend to bring home, have'nt seen it since........