cap badges

restrike badges on ebay. i am dismayed when i see that the majority of cap badges on ebay are restrikes i know this because i deal in badges. fellow ebayers are being cheated and it annoys me. some pointers to look out for. although not comprehensive if a badge does not have the following err on the right side and send it back for a refund. early badges pre 1914 - not officers.- were to say the least flimsy. other ranks were considered scum and good money was not spent on them or their badges. if the badge is solid and substantial send it back. most if not all were stamped out of the thinest brass going. cast badges were never accepted by the british army they were knocked up in the back of bazzar shops by enterprising arabs. if the badge is cast send it back. all loops and sliders were brazed. if they are soldered its duff or had the bits replaced send it back. sliders are long and tapered if your badge is not send it back. volunteersbadges are white metal or bronze. never brass. officers badges alwayshave straps on the reverse never loops or sliders. makers names on a badge mean nothing. i am not saying that all copy badges have the above. but if they have play safe send it back.