Reproduction (Counterfeit & Fake) Badges

With the scarcity of original LRDG Badges; someone decides that there might be some money in making a “look alike” badge. Some are good and some just don’t make the cut.

In the 1970’s and 80’s there were a bunch of them available. I bought many and sold them as reproductions from my web site for $15.00 U.S. They were made somewhere in the UK of some base medal and were bright and shiny.

The ones that I bought had some distinct features that show up in many of the reproductions on the marker still today. Contrary to the originals; in the reproductions the "stinger always touches the third foot". Also in the originals the R, D & G are cut through to the back of the badge, with reproductions these letters are solid and you cannot see anything behind those letters.

Also another distinct feature is the “double ring” that will be seen in the photos that are not present in the original badges.

There were some others that tried to make cast copies of originals, but will show some other signs of not being original. First off they will be slightly smaller than the 33 mm, as some of that is lost in the process of making the cast. Again some of the details might be missing (as will be evident in some of the photos).

• 1. This is the style I purchased - note stinger and foot; letters and double ring, not seen in the originals.
• 2. A better copy, stinger still touches foot, but RDG are through to back, double ring.
• 3. & 4. In the effort to "fool" a potential buyer - This badge has had the "stinger and one digit of the foot removed" best seen from the back side. And holes added in the R & D but not the G. Additionally the outer ring has been buffed away.
• 5. & 6. Recently listed on E-bay as "Original Silver Badge". It has all of the indications as being a copy but does have modern Silver Proof marks.
• 7. In an effort to appeal to the L Detachment of the S.A.S. another modified copy.
• 8. & 9. Modified so that the LRDG does not touch the rim, and outer rim has been removed.
• 10. I believe a sand casting, part of fourth leg missing.
• 11. & 12. Another sample of a sand casting, most likely made from an original. Would like to know the measurements. Fourth leg partially missing - visible sand pock marks, no hollow on underside.
• 13. & 14. A unusual copy made with a "slider" rather than the usual cross bar pin. The back with a British War Department Broad Arrow Proof mark.

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