WW1 Australian Field Artillery (AFA) (Militia) Oxidised Black Brass Slouch Hat Badge - Larger Pattern

A large die struck badge circa 64mm high by 42mm across. An exploding grenade with a towed field gun facing right over Southern Cross stars on the centre ball and surrounded by a wreath. At the base a scroll 'AUSTRALIA'. The blackened finish was a wartime finish (brass, coppered and oxidised) and places it from about 1915 onwards. wearing this badge in 1922. Earlier brass versions worn by Militia from 1903 -1912.

The Australian Militia Field Artillery replaced the Colonial, Pre Federation units following the creation of Australia as an independent country. Prior to this each Colony / State had its own military forces and their own badges. This universal pattern badge was worn by Australian units all over the country and there would have been a depot in each state.

Cox No 167 refers (Cox images are life size and No 168 is smaller than this badge at 55mm but larger than a collar so there are two patterns of slouch hat badge to look out for). Collar badges are circa 38mm tall. Officers hat badges and collars can be found in gilt and silver plate, with the wreath around the grenade in silver plate.

Comm BoHa (298)

Code: 66298