British Legion Large Badge
The Badge of The Royal British Legion has evolved in the 85 years since it's
founding of the British Legion 1921. The British Legion became The Royal British
Legion in 1971, however it did not gain royal permission to add the Queen's
crown on the badge until early 1972.
Enamel Badge Manufacturers
Various enamel badge manufacturers have had the honour of manufacturing the
different types of badge over the years.
In this online exhibition of British Legion (BL) Large size membership numbered
badges, examples can be found from the following enamel badge manufacturers:
B H & M C Birmingham BL
Birmingham Medal Company - BL
B'ham Medal & Badge Co BL
J. R. Gaunt & Sons Ltd, London - BL
J. R. Gaunt Ltd, B'Ham - BL
Although as yet the author has found no provenance to prove to the contrary
evidence seems to be indicating that early large & small badges were
manufactured by J. R. Gaunt & Sons (London)*.
Changes in Badge Size
The design of the British Legion badge remains the same there are some
variations mainly in the design of the corporate lion logo and of course the
metal, at 1946* annual conference it was decided to introduce the noticeably
smaller 0.75" x 0.75" (20mm x 20mm) replaced it's larger brother 1" x 1" (26mm x
26mm) seems to have been phased out .
The variation in badge manufacturers one would assume is a question of economics
and the best price.
*Disclaimer:
Badge dating in Collectors Club are based upon known membership numbers and
corresponding dates. These dates are estimates and not actual dates of
manufacture and should only be used as a guide.
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British Legion
Ordinary Member
J.R.Gaunt - London
Polished Lion Head
Early Serial No. 3757
Polished Gilt Finish
First Edition
25mm x 25mm
(1921)
