I was wondering if collectors out there would consider repaired badges as having a lesser value than ones with the original lugs? I know the purists will say yes, but with some quick searches on the net I've seen that some do not consider a repair detracting to a rare enough badge. This is,of course, that the repair has not altered the face of the badge. I ask because I'm slowly cataloging my collection for insurance...and I have a few with repairs and/or missing lugs.
4 posters
Repaired Badges
mk1rceme- Administrator
- Posts : 2215
Join date : 2009-11-22
Age : 53
Location : Alberta, Canada
- Post n°1
Repaired Badges
leprechaun- Member
- Posts : 28
Join date : 2012-10-03
Location : Ontario
- Post n°2
Re: Repaired Badges
I would say with the more common badges out there, it would certainly bring down value. But for the less common badges it wouldn't. For me it wouldn't matter to much like you said as long as the face remains original and untouched.
Bill- Moderator
- Posts : 1120
Join date : 2009-11-28
- Post n°3
Re: Repaired Badges
Hi Dale, I think you have basically answered your own question. At issue is the scarcity and degree of damage. Most badge collectors want a good example of the badge, but badge collecting is not and should not be considered in the same vein as numismatics. Badges were made to be worn and that meant polished for older badges.
To evaluate your badges, the degree of damage is important. Re-lugging, (or re-slidering) if done well should have minimal impact on rare badges. On common badges it can have a big impact, as other examples are easy to obtain. If the problems are on the reverse, the impact on value is less than if the damage is on the front.
Neither of the badges in your image are scarce, and they would likely not be classed at the top value. (Unfortunately the 68th Bn and other CEF badges are been reproduced in vast quantities. This has impacted the value significantly. That may work in your favour, as the badge is authentic.)
In the display cases at the local Legion, there is a Garrison Bn officer's cap badge. NAILED to the display board after the lugs were cut off. There is certainly an impact on the value of that badge, despite its rarity.
To evaluate your badges, the degree of damage is important. Re-lugging, (or re-slidering) if done well should have minimal impact on rare badges. On common badges it can have a big impact, as other examples are easy to obtain. If the problems are on the reverse, the impact on value is less than if the damage is on the front.
Neither of the badges in your image are scarce, and they would likely not be classed at the top value. (Unfortunately the 68th Bn and other CEF badges are been reproduced in vast quantities. This has impacted the value significantly. That may work in your favour, as the badge is authentic.)
In the display cases at the local Legion, there is a Garrison Bn officer's cap badge. NAILED to the display board after the lugs were cut off. There is certainly an impact on the value of that badge, despite its rarity.
mk1rceme- Administrator
- Posts : 2215
Join date : 2009-11-22
Age : 53
Location : Alberta, Canada
- Post n°4
Re: Repaired Badges
Thanks for the info guys.
And when I say "a few" repaired badges...I meant around 30-40 of them. All repaired in the same fashion with the screwbacks. I have never seen this done on these badges before, obviously done to mount them on display. All came from a defunct legion.
And when I say "a few" repaired badges...I meant around 30-40 of them. All repaired in the same fashion with the screwbacks. I have never seen this done on these badges before, obviously done to mount them on display. All came from a defunct legion.
barriefield-brian- Member
- Posts : 286
Join date : 2012-06-16
Age : 70
Location : ontario
- Post n°5
Re: Repaired Badges
To me they would be a little less valuable but as stated earlier the front is the main topic. I certainly have a few I have replaced lugs on but they usually sold for a bit less which was ok by me. Cheers Brian