BACKGROUND: Cap badges were usually made of white metal, brass, copper or bi-metal. Most commonly brass and white metal were used. With the shortage of ferrous metal towards the end of 1940, an alternative material was needed for the manufacture of cap badges. Rolled brass and bakelite were among the materials tested but it was cellulose acetate that was finally selected, as it was a modern plastic that could be used with injection molding equipment. The first cellulose acetate badges were produced in December of 1941and were limited to the corp. level, with the regimental level badges going into production in June of 1942. Since the average soldier preferred the metal badges over the plastic and they were produced for a short period of time, plastic cap badges can be fairly rare. The Royal Army Medical Corps was created by Royal Warrant on June 23^rd, 1898 and took up the motto "Arduis Fidelius"(Steadfast in Adversity).

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: An injection molded, brown plastic, cap badge, about 1 11/16" by 1 1/4", of a staff of Aesculapius, a rod with a single serpent entwined around it, surrounded by a wreath of laurel leaves surmounted by a King’s crown all resting on a scroll with the inscription "Royal Army Medical Corp." To the reverse are two flat alloy retaining tabs and the embossed markings "1-H" and "A Stanley & Sons," "Walsall." The badge is in very good condition with only some minor bending to the retaining tabs.

GRADE****1/4                             PRICE $24.00