*British, WW1, Early Silver War Badge – Issue No. 29076*
A genuine First World War British Silver War Badge, measuring approximately 3.4cm in diameter, retaining impressed reverse issue number 29076. Instituted in September 1916, the Silver War Badge was awarded to military personnel honourably discharged due to wounds, sickness, or disability sustained during wartime service. Worn on civilian clothing, it served as visible proof that the recipient had already fulfilled military service and had been honourably discharged.
The obverse displays the crowned King George V royal cypher (GRI – Georgius Rex Imperator) surrounded by the inscription “FOR KING AND EMPIRE – SERVICES RENDERED.” The reverse retains the original impressed issue number 29076, still clearly visible.
History Note: This example is an early plain-numbered issue, lacking any letter prefix. Silver War Badges issued from the introduction of the scheme in September 1916 through into early 1918 commonly followed this simple numerical sequence before later production adopted prefixed numbering systems. The unprefixed number therefore places this badge amongst the earlier issues of the award.
The Silver War Badge was introduced during the First World War following concern that wounded or medically discharged servicemen in civilian clothes were sometimes wrongly accused of avoiding military service or targeted by the "White Feather" movement. The badge offered immediate recognition that the wearer had already served and had been honourably discharged.
Over one million Silver War Badges were eventually issued during and after the conflict, making them one of the most recognisable British Great War service awards.
*Condition* Good original condition with age-related wear and natural patination throughout. Reverse issue number remains clear and legible. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
