WW1 MILITARY BRITISH BADGE BROOCH BUTTON LIFE BUOY W UNDER A CROWN

[MedalCollector1]

I have come across this English hallmarked sterling silver brooch in the form of a Life Buoy and with a monogram of a W under a crown.  The hallmarks date this to 1918 which is why I think this could be military and there is an inscription to the back from 1919.

 

I cannot track down this particular symbol with the life buoy so does anyone have any ideas of what this represents - perhaps the Navy?  The only similar monograms with a crown relate to the

Netherlands or the Kaiser Wilhelm but as this is British its a bit of a mystery.  Can anyone help with any information please?

[SillyOldGrandad]

12 hours ago, MedalCollector1 said:

I have come across this English hallmarked sterling silver brooch in the form of a Life Buoy and with a monogram of a W under a crown.  The hallmarks date this to 1918 which is why I think this could be military and there is an inscription to the back from 1919.

 

I cannot track down this particular symbol with the life buoy so does anyone have any ideas of what this represents - perhaps the Navy?  The only similar monograms with a crown relate to the

Netherlands or the Kaiser Wilhelm but as this is British its a bit of a mystery.  Can anyone help with any information please?

Any chance of a clear image of the inscription on the rear please?.

[MedalCollector1]

Hi - Yes of course - here is another photo.  Thanks.

[SillyOldGrandad]

4 hours ago, MedalCollector1 said:

Hi - Yes of course - here is another photo.  Thanks.

Thanks for that. I make that T.C.M.G. but that's it I'm afraid. It could be someone's initials or an organisation but I'm sure someone on here will know.      Pete.

[MedalCollector1]

Thank you for your help.

[Marcon1]

Hi,

 

The crown is that used by the British Merchant Navy and Royal Navy.

 

This Merchant Navy (MN) identification badge was issued to seamen on British ships in January 1940 and to those on New Zealand ships from July 1941.

 

No idea what the W stands for, maybe issued to someone who saved a life at sea (hence the life buoy) or perhaps a brooch for a loved one (girlfriend ??).

 

Marcon1.

Edited September 29, 2023 by Marcon1

[Farkas]

Hi Gents,

The V&S is…

Vaughton & Sons

Birmingham.

 

On 29/09/2023 at 04:14, Marcon1 said:

Hi,

 

The crown is that used by the British Merchant Navy and Royal Navy.

 

This Merchant Navy (MN) identification badge was issued to seamen on British ships in January 1940 and to those on New Zealand ships from July 1941.

 

No idea what the W stands for, maybe issued to someone who saved a life at sea (hence the life buoy) or perhaps a brooch for a loved one (girlfriend ??).

 

Marcon1.

 

I agree, certainly Merchant Navy related.

I didn’t know before but it’s a ‘Shipping Line’ badge.

 

 

There are a few examples of cap badges about, I haven’t seen a pin badge though so a nice thing to have.

 

 

 

The W I have a feeling stands for ‘Wilson’ but there are a few other lines starting W so a little research on which were in the British MN required..

 

cheers

tony 🍻

Edited October 4, 2023 by Farkas
Spelling

[Graf]

On 04/10/2023 at 12:20, Farkas said:

Hi Gents,

The V&S is…

Vaughton & Sons

Birmingham.

 

 

I agree, certainly Merchant Navy related.

I didn’t know before but it’s a ‘Shipping Line’ badge.

 

 

There are a few examples of cap badges about, I haven’t seen a pin badge though so a nice thing to have.

 

 

 

The W I have a feeling stands for ‘Wilson’ but there are a few other lines starting W so a little research on which were in the British MN required..

 

cheers

tony 🍻

Nice work Tony

[MedalCollector1]

Thank you all for your contributions and information.  Based on your information I will see if
I can find out anymore details.