*British, WW1, Comrades of the Great War Veterans Membership Lapel Badge – J.R. Gaunt London – Numbered 15509*
An original British Comrades of the Great War veterans' membership lapel badge dating to the First World War era and the immediate post-war period. Manufactured by the renowned military outfitter J.R. Gaunt, London, this attractive enamelled example features the organisation's iconic central Union Flag design surrounded by the blue enamel title "COMRADES OF THE GREAT WAR".
The badge is constructed in gilt brass with multi-coloured enamel and retains its original crescent-style buttonhole fitting to the reverse. This distinctive attachment, often referred to as a horseshoe or crescent stud, was designed to slide securely into the buttonhole of a civilian jacket lapel and was commonly used on veterans' association insignia of the period. The reverse carries the maker's mark "J.R. GAUNT LONDON" together with issue number 15509, indicating an early membership example.
Approx. Measurements – Diameter: 3.4 cm.
History Note: The Comrades of the Great War organisation was founded in 1917 under the patronage of prominent political and military figures, including the Earl of Derby. It was established to support discharged servicemen and women returning from the First World War and to safeguard veterans' welfare, employment rights and comradeship. The organisation adopted the principles of patriotism and service, encapsulated by the sentiment of King, Country and Comradeship.
The central Union Flag motif reflected the association's strong national identity and became one of the most recognisable British veterans' emblems of the era. Membership expanded rapidly after the war and in 1921 the organisation joined with three other major ex-servicemen's associations to create the British Legion, later granted Royal status as the Royal British Legion. Early numbered badges such as this represent an important transitional piece in British veterans' history and the immediate social legacy of the First World War.
*Condition* Good original condition displaying age and honest service wear. Enamel remains largely intact with minor surface wear and small areas of age-related marks visible under close inspection. Reverse retains the original crescent fitting and clear J.R. Gaunt London maker's stamp together with issue number 15509. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
A desirable and increasingly collectible First World War veterans' association badge representing one of the organisations that ultimately evolved into the modern Royal British Legion.
