TOPIC:

I found these cloth trade badges from the Victorian era recently. Does anybody know if they were worn in SA during the ABW at all?

Dudley

I recently sold my supposedly Boer War British badges through a dealer in the UK. One of the badges was the same as your Red Cross badge, which I had assumed was an arm badge worn by hospital orderlies. It was described as "Felt Stretcher Bearer red cross arm badge" and sold in a job lot of 13 badges, 8 of which were definitely Victorian, for 100gbp.

The implication is that, even if it is Victorian, it is not rare and valuable.

Regards
Brett

Hullo Brett

Many thanks for your reply. You are right, they are not valuable from a monetary point of view but I collect from an historical viewpoint and their investment value is not that important to me. The medic badge was given to me in SA and the buglers badge was found at a militaria fair here in the UK (£3-00 worth!) I was just curious as to anybody having photographic evidence of them being worn during the ABW. I collect cloth insignia from a variety of countries and these were in good condition and a nice addition to the collection.

Regards

Dudley

Dudley

I realised that the metal badges in my British collection would not fetch much, but I was disappointed at the disinterest on the cloth 'red cross' badge, which I thought was rare.

I know of one Boer War photo of a RAMC orderly wearing the 'red cross' badge. The man appears on the cover and in the book entitled 'Bombardment of Ladysmith Anticipated. The Diary of a Siege' by Alan Chalmers (Covos-Day, 2000). If you cannot find a copy, I will photograph the cover and post it here or send it direct to you if you pm me your e-mail address.

I have missed seeing your posts, so I am pleased that you are 'back again'!

Regards
Brett

Good Afternoon Brett....

This is the same badge worn by Canadian Military before and right through WW 1.....

Mike

Mike

Thank you for that information. It puts the badge in a whole new light and it is not surprising that it is not highly prized.

Regards
Brett