Introduction
World War Two military badges are among the most collected militaria items in the world. Whether you’ve inherited a badge from a family member, found one at a boot sale, or are starting a collection, knowing how to identify these pieces is essential. This guide covers the main types of WW2 badges and how to tell them apart.
Types of WW2 Military Badges
Cap Badges
Cap badges are the most commonly collected military badge. Worn on the front of the headdress, they identified the wearer’s regiment or corps. During WW2, the British Army alone used over 400 different cap badge designs.
Key identification features:
- Material — Pre-war badges were typically brass or white metal. Wartime economy badges were often made from plastic (Bakelite) or die-stamped from thin brass
- Fixings — Look at the back. Slider fixings (a flat bar soldered across the back) are typical of British badges. Lugs and split pins indicate officer or earlier patterns
- Size — Standard British other ranks cap badges are roughly 40-50mm tall. Officers’ badges tend to be slightly larger and more detailed
- Crown type — King’s Crown (Tudor crown, used 1901-1952) tells you it’s from Edward VII through George VI’s reign, covering both World Wars
Collar Dogs
Collar badges (known as “collar dogs”) were worn in pairs on the collar of the tunic. They’re typically smaller versions of the cap badge or a simplified design. British collar dogs come as a facing pair — left and right — and a complete pair is worth significantly more than a single.
Shoulder Titles
Brass or cloth shoulder titles spelled out the regiment’s name or used an abbreviation. Metal shoulder titles are usually curved to fit the epaulette and were fixed with two or more lugs. Examples include “R.A.” (Royal Artillery), “R.E.” (Royal Engineers), and “MIDDLESEX”.
Formation Signs
Cloth formation signs (divisional patches) were worn on the upper sleeve. These colourful patches identified the division, corps, or army to which a soldier belonged. Famous examples include the red desert rat of the 7th Armoured Division and the Pegasus badge of Airborne forces.
How to Authenticate WW2 Badges
Reproduction badges flood the market. Here’s how to spot the genuine article:
- Weight — Genuine WW2 badges have a substantial feel. Cheap reproductions are often lighter
- Patina — Original badges have natural ageing. Look for uneven toning, especially in recesses. Artificial ageing looks too uniform
- Detail — Wartime economy badges may have less detail than pre-war versions, but the casting or stamping quality is still professional
- Fixings — Original fixing methods (sliders, lugs, brooch pins) show genuine wear. New solder or modern fixings are red flags
- Compare — Use reference books like Westlake’s “British Regiments at Gallipoli” or Kipling & King’s “Head-dress Badges of the British Army” to compare your badge against known examples
Where to Start Collecting
If you’re new to collecting WW2 badges, start with a focus:
- By regiment — Collect all badge types from one regiment (cap badge, collar dogs, shoulder titles)
- By type — Collect only cap badges across many regiments
- By campaign — Focus on units that served in a particular theatre (North Africa, Normandy, Burma)
- By family connection — Research and collect items related to a relative’s service
Common and affordable WW2 cap badges include the Royal Artillery, Royal Engineers, and many county infantry regiments. These can often be found for under £10, making them an excellent starting point.
Caring for Your Collection
Never polish original badges — it destroys the patina and reduces value. Store badges in acid-free tissue, away from moisture. If cleaning is necessary, warm water and a soft brush is usually sufficient. For brass badges with verdigris (green corrosion), a soak in lemon juice can help, but proceed with caution.
Building Your Knowledge
The best way to develop your identification skills is to handle as many genuine badges as possible. Visit militaria fairs, join regimental associations, and browse specialist dealers. Our badges collection includes thousands of authenticated examples spanning both World Wars.
For more in-depth reading, explore our History Hub which features detailed articles on specific regiments, campaigns, and collecting topics.