Summary
Alternative Name(s): Hat badge, Insignia
Cast brass Australian army rising sun badge, manufactured by K.G. Luke, probably dating from World War II. It was acquired with a collection of material relating to service in both World Wars I and II.
Rising sun badges were used on Australian military uniforms as hat badges and collar badges (smaller). The rising sun hat badge has been used by the Australian army since 1902, undergoing seven different design phases. This badge is an example of the third pattern, designed in 1904 and in use during both World Wars, although the Australian War Memorial notes that the words 'Australian Commonwealth Military Forces' were characteristially used on World War I badges. The design was updated in 1948.
Physical Description
Oxidised brass (or similar) metal badge with radiating pattern representing sun, crown at centre and inscribed banner across bottom. Back of badge has two lugs through which split pins or sewing thread would be used to secure the badge to a garment. Some verdigris on front and back.
More Information
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Purchase
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Organisation Symbolised
Australian Commonwealth Military Forces, Australia, 1939-1948
It appears to be the type RS156 (ref: Cossum1986:38), maufactured by K.G. Luke. Luke did not exist during World War I, so the badge is likely to date from World War II. The latest date is based on the date of pattern change. -
Maker (Probable)
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Inscriptions
Across bottom: 'AUSTRALIAN COMMONWEALTH / MILITARY FORCES'.Back: 'LUKE' [?]
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Overall Dimensions
40 mm (Width), 9 mm (Depth), 28 mm (Height)
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References
J.K. Cossum, 1896. The Rising Sun Badge 'The Rising Sun Badge,' Australian Army, [Link 1] accessed 12 May 2015 'Rising Sun Badge', Australian War Memorial, [Link 2] accessed 12 May 2015
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Keywords
