The Tank Corps cap badge
This thread aims to look closer at the highly desirable cap badge of The Tank Corps. It will highlight the differences between the originals and the reproductions. The Tank Corps cap badge is a fairly scarce badge to acquire now in its original form, the prices on the open market reflect that fact.
The Tank Corps was formed on 28th July 1917, and its new cap badge was approved and issued from 1917 through to 1922, when The Tank Corps was replaced by The Royal Tank Regiment. [1]
The badge
The cap badge came in two forms; in gilding metal (85% copper, 15% zinc) for rank and file and non-commissioned officers, and in bronze for commissioned officers. [2] The officer's badge is featured further down the post.
A side-by-side comparison of an original Tank Corps cap badge and a restrike or reproduction badge. Original (left), and reproduction (right).
Study the image and you will see many differences. The detail within the original is of a higher standard. As far as I can tell, the original gilding metal badges are always found on slider mount. The bronze badges with two blade mounts. Reproductions are often found with two lug mounted east/west.
Next is the same image with a few visually identifiable traits which are marked up on the copy badge.
The Crown is narrow at the base and lacks the voided section underneath.
The front track rollers look like dog bones.
The rear track rollers often lack the inner circle, and when seen with an inner circle it is off centre. The rear vertical rivet line is lacks definition and is short in length.
Leaf work underneath the rear of the tank is not voided.
A reverse image of the same badges.
More images of fake badges below. This first image of a solid badge, with some of the same traits.
This article will be updated with new information and images as they become available.
Neither the content nor the images are to be copied without the authorisation of MedalsMilitaria.com
Officer's bronze Service Dress (SD) badge
The officer's grade cap badge is made in die cast bronze and has two folding straps, mounted left and right (or east/west) for mounting. The design is the same as the other ranks badge.
Two manufacturers are known; J.R. Gaunt, London, and Jennens & Company (J & CO).
The J & CO badge dimensions are 40 mm [w] x 48.5 mm [h], the maker mark as follow:
Resources and further reading.
[1] https://tankmuseum.org/article/the-formation-of-the-tank-corps
[2] Head-Dress Badges of the British Army, A. L. Kipling, H. L. King., 1978. ISBN 0584109474