How to Spot Fake Cap Badges and Medals: Construction, Key Features & Original vs Reproduction Guide

1. Introduction

Understanding how cap badges and medals are made is one of the most reliable ways to separate genuine militaria from modern reproductions. From metal composition and strike quality to reverse hardware, finish, and ageing patterns, construction tells a story that cannot be faked easily. In this guide, we break down the key features of original items, the common shortcuts seen in reproductions, and the critical details collectors should examine before making a purchase.

This article focuses on British issue cap badges and medals. The principles discussed can be applied to most other nations. Although some nations do/did officially employ some of the methods being discussed. That fakers themselves would go on to use.

2. Why construction matters

Original cap badges and medals were made using materials and industrial processes suited to their era. Victorian, Edwardian, and Georgian die-striking, late 19th century to 20th-century bi-metal joining, WW1 and WW2 economy methods, and the introduction of the time and wrist saving Staybrites. Each method produced very distinct results. 

Reproduction makers seldom follow historically correct manufacturing techniques. Instead opting for quantity, and cost, over quality. Employing casting, reusing old and cutting new dies, using soft metal alloys, or historically inaccurate parts and joining methods (soldering), that would save them time and cost. 

When you know how a cap badge or medal should be made, you are well prepared to make the right choices.

PART 1 — CAP BADGES

3. Original Cap Badge Construction: Key Characteristics

Q. What is a military cap badge?

A. A cap badge is a decorative "motto" or badge, worn on military headgear, that identifies the military unit (battalion, regiment, brigade, corps). 

Work in progress - please check back regularly for important updates.