Rare First Version of a WW1 1914 Old Contemptible Association Veterans Badge circa 1927 – Issue No. 620

Here on offer is a rare early ‘first version’ of a WW1 1914 Old Contemptible Association Veterans Badge, circa 1927

This one has the early issue number 620 stamped on the reverse.

The badge itself seems to be made from a copper alloy. On the front it has crossed swords that pierce a circular banner that has in raised letters the words:

OLD CONTEMPTIBLE ASSN

There are also central scrolls one with 1914 and one with AUG.5 TO NOV.22

On the reverse stamped in the centre is the original owners issue number, 620.

Stamped near the top is the maker’s name:

TOYE & CO. Ltd.
LONDON

and near the bottom is stamped an REG No. 726347, which dates the design registration to the year 1927.

This early first version of the badge has the brooch pin type fixing with “C” clasp, with the issue number stamped in the centre of the back of the badge.

Apparently this type of fixing was quickly found to be inadequate and was replaced by the stronger “crescent moon” type of fixing.

The Old Contemptible Association was founded by Captain J.P. Danny RA, on 25th June 1925.

Membership was limited to veterans of the regular army who had served in the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) in France and Flanders within range of enemy artillery during the period 5th August to 22nd November 1914 and had thus taken part in the desperate early battles and retreats before the advancing German forces, before the tide turned and the allies counterattacked at the Battle of the Marne.

The Association took its name from a notorious “Order of the Day” issued by the German Kaiser in August 1914 which referred judgmentally to Sir John French’s ‘contemptible little army’.

This demeaning title was quickly adopted enthusiastically by soldiers in the BEF.
The Association had 178 branches in the UK and 14 overseas branches.

The Association’s national organisation was wound up in the 1970’s but in London and the South East it continued until 1994.

The badge is in excellent condition with just some age related patina to the finish. It warrants further researching into whom it was issued to, in the very early days of the Association.

This example is in excellent condition, no dings or scratches that I can see, just some age related patina to the finish.

The badge measures 1.1” (2.8cm) wide and weighs 6.7g.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

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Thank you for taking the time to look.

Code: 50706