Railway lapel badges

[wookie]

Does anybody else collect railway-related lapel badges?
I started off recently, wanting to put together a display of the cutout loco types to show at exhibitions beside my layout, as a talking point.
I've now become very interested in rail trade union badges, particularly relating to rail strikes, but I'm rapidly learning that it is a minefield!
Are there any experienced collectors on here that could give me some guidance and/or trade badges?

[The Q]

I've only got one, a wartime GWR  railway service badge, sadly not my grandfathers actual one that went missing long before me.

Like this.

[wookie]

Ah yes, I have some of those, for LNER and LMS if I remember correctly.

I really need guidance from any collectors out there as I believe there are several collectors/dealers out there knocking out seemingly official badges that are in fact complete fantasy creations.

It seems to happen in every sphere of badge collecting 😡

[Hailstone]

I have been collecting the "BRITISH RAILWAYS" cap totems and have a complete set of 6 in the regional colours in nickel silver and 4 out of 6 in brass. I have just acquired a set of 4 railway service badges which leaves me with just the 2 brass totems to find. as for determining real from fake, both the colour of the enamel and the sharpness of the lettering are guides, but there is no substitute for experience, I got mine through a friend, a visit to a railwayana auction and asking questions there

Regards,

Alex

[Hailstone]

In addition to my reply, see this list on ebay,

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/adeat53/m.html?ssPageName=STRK%3Anull%3AMESOI&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2654

all 6 regions cap totems up for sale, all are genuine made by gaunt. I would expect the Scottish one to get the highest price, with the Southern one in second place

hope this helps,

Alex

[wookie]

Yes, I know about those ones thanks Alex.
They are not what I am collecting.
I'd really like to hear from somebody who collects ASLEF/NUR badges.

[Hailstone]

Yes, I know about those ones thanks Alex.
They are not what I am collecting.
I'd really like to hear from somebody who collects ASLEF/NUR badges.

I occaisionally look at this website, this guy sells the real stuff, and occaisionally you may find what you are looking for

http://www.gloucesterrailwayana.com/badges.php

hope this helps

Alex