Army Dental Corps (ADC) Officer’s Service Dress Collar Badge (1922-1946 Pattern)

Army Dental Corps (ADC) officer’s service dress collar badge (1922–1946 pattern), original example of British Army officer insignia associated with the Army Dental Corps.

The badge features the distinctive insignia of the Army Dental Corps in bronze, designed for wear on the collars of service dress uniforms. The pattern reflects the corps’ specialist medical role within the British Army and the growing importance of military dental services during the interwar period and World War II.

Collar badges of this type were worn in pairs by commissioned officers of the Army Dental Corps, serving as a visible indication of corps affiliation. Officer-quality examples were typically manufactured to a higher standard than other ranks’ insignia, often displaying finer detail and superior finishing.

Established in 1921, the Army Dental Corps was created to provide professional dental care to British Army personnel, helping to maintain the health, efficiency, and operational readiness of soldiers both at home and overseas. The corps played an important role throughout the Second World War, supporting troops across numerous theatres of operation.

In 1946, the corps was granted the “Royal” prefix in recognition of its service, becoming the Royal Army Dental Corps. As a result, insignia bearing the title ‘Army Dental Corps’ without the ‘Royal’ designation represents the formative years of the organisation and is of particular interest to collectors of military medical insignia.

Manufactured in bronze with original attachment fittings to the reverse, this example represents an attractive and historically significant piece of British military medical history.

Dimensions

Approx. 35mm height

Condition

Very good overall original condition, with crisp detailing and a well-preserved finish. Reverse fittings remain intact and secure. No significant damage or repairs evident.