*British, WW2: 1940–41, RAF Spitfire Fund Brass Label Badges, Home Front Fundraising (2)*
A pair of original WWII Home Front Spitfire Fund badges (non matching) – a patriotic emblem worn by donors supporting Britain’s most famous fighter aircraft during the Battle of Britain, produced circa 1940–41 and sold locally to raise money for community contributions towards RAF Spitfire production. The first example is a classic cast-brass type marked SPIT / FIRE / FUND, measuring approximately 3.7 cm × 3.2 cm, with the characteristic sand-cast finish and hand-applied reverse fittings now absent.
The second example is a scarcer, heavier die-struck brass variant marked SPITFIRE across the wings, displaying a small pin-hole fixing to the reverse and faint maker’s initials that appear to read R.E.G.D (Registered), it measures approximately 3.4 cm × 2.2 cm and represents one of the better-made local workshop patterns of the early war period.
Historical Note: A national campaign, supported by Lord Beaverbrook, the Minister for Aircraft Production, encouraged individual towns, factories and communities to raise money to buy a Spitfire. In total, 1400 campaigns were launched, collecting in the end £13 million, equivalent to about £650 million today. Spitfire Fund badges were sold door-to-door, at factory gates, and in town centres during 1940–41 at the height of the Battle of Britain. Small workshops and die-stampers across the UK produced countless variations, many cast in brass or struck from sheet metal. The R.E.O.D initials (or similar combinations) are typical of these small provincial makers, whose exact identities rarely survive but whose output formed a vital part of the patriotic fundraising effort.
*Condition* Both badges show good period patina, handling wear and minor casting or striking softness typical of wartime manufacture. The die-struck example retains its reverse pin-hole; the cast badge has no surviving fitting. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
