British, Post-1970s, Women's Royal Army Corps (WRAC) Staybrite Cap Badge – Queen's Crown – J.R. Gaunt B'Ham
£12.00
A smart Cold War era Women's Royal Army Corps Staybrite cap badge by the renowned maker J.R. Gaunt, representing the final decades of independent WRAC service before integration into the modern British Army.
*British, Post-1970s, Women's Royal Army Corps (WRAC) Staybrite Cap Badge – Queen's Crown – J.R. Gaunt B'Ham*
An original British Army Women's Royal Army Corps (WRAC) cap badge in attractive bi-metal Staybrite anodised finish, retaining its original vertical slider fitting and maker-marked J.R. Gaunt B'Ham reverse. Featuring the St Edward's (Queen's) Crown, this example dates to the reign of Queen Elizabeth II and represents the later Cold War era issue worn by members of the WRAC.
The badge displays the distinctive WRAC design comprising a silver lion rampant at the centre over a vertical staff, enclosed by a gilt laurel wreath and surmounted by the Queen's Crown. The combination of silver and gold-tone Staybrite finish gave a smart appearance while remaining lightweight and resistant to polishing requirements, becoming standard for British Army insignia from the late 1960s onward.
Approx. Measurements – Height: 3.9 cm. Width: 2.9 cm.
History Note: The Women's Royal Army Corps was formed in 1949, replacing the wartime Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS). It served as the principal organisation for women serving in the British Army during the Cold War period. WRAC personnel fulfilled a broad range of roles including communications, administration, intelligence, transport and military support duties. In 1992, the corps was disbanded and its members integrated directly into the wider British Army structure.
The Staybrite anodised aluminium pattern represented a major shift in British insignia manufacture. Introduced from the late 1960s, these lighter badges eliminated the need for constant polishing and became standard across many British Army units. The J.R. Gaunt B'Ham slider marking identifies production by the famous military insignia manufacturer J.R. Gaunt & Son's Birmingham operation, commonly encountered on later issue badges of the 1970s–1980s.
*Condition* Very good original condition retaining bright gilt and silvered Staybrite finish. Complete with original vertical slider fitting marked J.R. Gaunt B'Ham. Light service and storage wear only. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
