Cap Badge Question

[Edward]

Hello All,

Could anyone please tell me the value of a WWI period cap badge belonging to the Queens Dorsetshire Yeomanry? I ask as one just sold on eBay for $82.00 today. I considerd bidding on this badge, but not knowing the values of cap badges I did not. Any reply would be most appreciated.

Regards

[leigh kitchen]

Which version of badge please?
Assuming that we're talking about an Other ranks version in bronze, white metal or gilding metal, the design being similar to the cap badge of the Royal Engineers but with a different centre, & with no Imperial Yeomanry, IY or Great War scrolls, then I would'nt want to go much beyond £20 - £30.

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Edward, the price of the one on E bay seems very high? But then again it's E Bay and stuff can go for crazy money! I would say the same price as Leigh to be realistic.


Cheers, Ade.

[Edward]

Hi Edward, the price of the one on E bay seems very high? But then again it's E Bay and stuff can go for crazy money! I would say the same price as Leigh to be realistic.


Cheers, Ade.

Hello Leigh and Ade,

Thank you both for the kind replies. Sorry about not having provided a better description. I didn't know that there were variations of this particular badge.The seller described the badge as having been taken off of a WWI souvineer belt along with many other badges and buttons attached. From the photo the badge appeared to be bronze with various battle honours along the wreath up until the Boer War. The center was cut out with the regimental cypher.

Regards

[leigh kitchen]

Sounds like the pattern in use during WWI then, after the versions with Imperial Yeomanry & IY scrolls, & before the versions with The Great War scroll.

I have the type that followed this, the one with The Great war scroll, bronze Other Ranks, (worn about 1920 - 1960 according to Gaylor, sealed 2/10/35 according to Kipling & King, cost me £4.75 10 years ago.

Also the St Edwards Crown issue in white metal (never issued according to Gaylor, sealed 6/5/53 according to Kipling & King)worn, cost me £5 a few weeks ago.

then again they're more recent & presumably more common than the one you're talking about.
There are certain cap badges that I'd pay over the odds for 'cos I particularly want them - presumably a yeomanry collector wanted this one enough to pay that price, but I would'nt.......

[Edward]

Sounds like the pattern in use during WWI then, after the versions with Imperial Yeomanry & IY scrolls, & before the versions with The Great War scroll.

I have the type that followed this, the one with The Great war scroll, bronze Other Ranks, (worn about 1920 - 1960 according to Gaylor, sealed 2/10/35 according to Kipling & King, cost me £4.75 10 years ago.

Also the St Edwards Crown issue in white metal (never issued according to Gaylor, sealed 6/5/53 according to Kipling & King)worn, cost me £5 a few weeks ago.

then again they're more recent & presumably more common than the one you're talking about.
There are certain cap badges that I 'cos I particularly want them - presumably a yeomanry collector wanted this one enough to pay that price, but I would'nt.......

Hello Leigh,

Thanks again for the additional information. Sounds like I will have to buy a copy of the book mentioned.

Regards

[Keith Blakeman]

Hi Edward,

A bigger concern than the prices on ebay is the quality of what's being offered. Deciding whether a badge is genuine or not from a jpeg or scan can only be put down to experience and even then it's still easy to get it wrong. I remember seeing the Dorset's badge in question and if I'm correct was amongst a real mixed bag of good quality authentic items and common restrikes.

I'd then check out the prices on a reputable dealers website before deciding to bid. You may get them cheaper and probably get a guarantee of authenticity. The only problem here is most badges are only listed by name rather than photos and as Leigh suggests you'll need a reference book for illustrations.

Best of luck
Keith

[leigh kitchen]

My hard & fast rule is that I don't buy metal (as opposed to plastic economy or anodised ) British cap badges unless I can get hands on.

[Edward]

Hello Keith and Leigh,

Thank you both for the helpful replies.

Keith, agree with you entirely on using caution when deciding to buy such items on eBay. Good point also Leigh, there is nothing like actually having an item in hand. Now I'll have to buy a scanner and post those badges picked up over the years for a going over on this forum. As always any help will be most appreciated.

Regards

[Keith Blakeman]

Leigh,

I can understand your caution here, but you may be missing out on real bargains. After a few expensive lessons in the past, these days I never pay out big money for ebay badges unless I'm 100% certain. By this I mean the look of the badge, ie: it must have a rear scan for the slider, braizing holes, etc. Also a seller with a reputable reputation is important, ideally a collector who's offloading spares and is honest in their descriptions.

Keith

[leigh kitchen]

Yes, but I don't go looking for them other than looking in dealers shops etc, I don't do e-bay & the like, i get enough stress & excitement. I've bought by post in the past from established & reputable dealers, but I just like to handle & examine & then do a yes or no on something.
Between a couple of shops & this forum I get through enough money, if I start looking too closely at the net then I'll have to sell the house.