dewey Posted 25 November , 2004 Share Posted 25 November , 2004 I just began to collect military cap badges from WW1 and have been surprised to find how difficult it can be, what with fakes etc... I was wondering if there is a good book and or website which could assist me. Also if anyone has any advice that they have obtained through years of collecting I would be glad to hear it. Thank you, Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HarryBettsMCDCM Posted 25 November , 2004 Share Posted 25 November , 2004 The 'Bible' Of Cap Badge collectors is A Huge two volume Set "Military Headress Badges" By Kipling & King,that you may see referred to here now & again,"Military Badge Collecting" by John Gaylor,{Both in various Editions from 1970s onward}Though not so comprehensive is also a Useful Book for the Collector{& much cheaper!} The Best bit of advice I can give after 45 Years of Badge & Medal Collecting,is to handle as Many Badges as you can,studying the Variations,of those known to be "Right" & those that are of Dubious Origin,try to buy from a proven reliable source{unless its a "Steal" @ the local car Boot for 50p,or Whatever}who will offer a Guarantee if the Badges Turn out to be "Not As Described"[Remember A Dealer with whom you build up a Rapport is more likely to offer you items ,prior to offering them generally,if youve been a good customer]Trust your instincts if a Badge doesn't feel "or look Right" then chances are its not,leave it there & wait until one turns up you are happy about,& read the books,Knowledge is power,the more you know about the subject the better armed you are when out @ the Fair etc,Buying. Enjoy it Dont be put of by making a few mistakes,Im sure most of us have,a few pounds ill spent is one of the best ways of learning there is!~~ Good Luck & Happy Collecting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken Lees Posted 25 November , 2004 Share Posted 25 November , 2004 Bill, If you are only interested in WW1 cap badges you will only need to purchase Vol.1 of "Military Headress Badges" By Kipling & King. I think it currently retails at about £45 in the UK but can be found 2nd hand. Most dealers, when describing a badge will include a reference to Kipling and King's cataloguing system, so you can look up the badge in the book (e.g. K&K 1702) Ken Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dewey Posted 25 November , 2004 Author Share Posted 25 November , 2004 I am always amazed at how knowledgeable the members of this forum are. Thank you for your advice, I will look into getting a copy of the book mentioned. Thanks again Ken and Harry! Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graeme Fisher Posted 26 November , 2004 Share Posted 26 November , 2004 Bill Visit www.speedbid.com and click on the link at the bottom for Fairs (if you're in the UK.) Get along to a fair and talk to the dealers, and handle their badges. Beware of people offering all sorts of stuff for £3 or whatever, no matter what it is, the rarer the badge, the more expensive. Harry's and Ken's advice is some of the best ; there are currently a couple of badge threads elsewhere to read, too. good luck, and don't get too upset if you buy a ringer or two, that's how we learn to spot the good stuff. Graeme Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John F Posted 26 November , 2004 Share Posted 26 November , 2004 If you need just volume one, volume two or indeed both of Head Dress Badges of the British Army by Kipling & Kings pm me & I will help you out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HarryBettsMCDCM Posted 26 November , 2004 Share Posted 26 November , 2004 direct to speedbid Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John F Posted 26 November , 2004 Share Posted 26 November , 2004 speedbid Mine are brand new still the the wrappers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HarryBettsMCDCM Posted 26 November , 2004 Share Posted 26 November , 2004 speedbid Mine are brand new still the the wrappers. It was just a direct link~click on it to connect to Speedbid! Mine are twenty years old & in constant use! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John F Posted 26 November , 2004 Share Posted 26 November , 2004 sorry Harry, I wasn't getting at you . I have my set which are used quite a bit & I also have 2 new one's of each volume as people ask for them quite often & they are nearly as much second hand as they are new. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HarryBettsMCDCM Posted 27 November , 2004 Share Posted 27 November , 2004 I know tyou weren't John,I just wish I had bought a Couple more sets when I got mine,I thought they were dear @ £22.00 [1]& £18.00 [2] in the 70s,If only!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
max7474 Posted 27 November , 2004 Share Posted 27 November , 2004 All I would say is avoid ebay unless you are really sure and the seller offers it as genuine and is prepared to refund you if not. Always get a photo and preferably of the reverse as well. Their are a lot of ebay sellers who 'forget' to mention the fact they are selling copies. There is one dealer in particular who always sells a lot of badges that are cast rubbish but his description is so vague ('selling as badge and nothing else') that he is to be avoided at all costs. I would advice readig the debate about Gaunt sliders currently running. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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