Purpose of Catalogue

This catalogue represents an initial attempt to list all known bell ringing badges that have been produced. Where possible illustrations are shown, with accompanying notes to describe the composition, size and other details of the badge, as well as any varieties known to exist.

Information was sought from ringing organisations and a number of individuals who have built up their own collections. A survey undertaken by the Library Committee on behalf of the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers was disappointing, in that a large number of organisations appeared to have only limited knowledge of badges they had previously produced. This, together with the fact that many early badges are becoming extremely rare, makes it opportune to capture this information now.

In the circumstances the information provided is unlikely to be comprehensive. The Library Committee would therefore welcome any additional facts that can be added. A useful aspect of the study has been the creation of the Library´s own collection of badges. This has involved the purchase of current badges, as well as donation of badges from a number of organisations and other individuals to whom we are extremely grateful.

Scope

A decision was taken to restrict the survey undertaken to cast metallic lapel badges. As a consequence, details of other types of ringers´ badge are omitted. Such items include printed cloth and stitched varieties, such as Scout/Guide proficiency badges, and the numerous examples now found on sweatshirts and other types of clothing. Also omitted are badges of office, one-off personal productions, motor vehicle mounted badges (such as the ringers´ car badge from the 1960s and 1970s) and pin badges (i.e. tin base with paper/plastic cover). The latter are frequently produced for special purposes. As such, many have a local interest only and are not as robust as cast metallic badges. Current examples include the Pam Copson Awards and the Taylor´s of Loughborough visitor badge. That said, the catalogue does include a number of specials where these are a cast metal type.

It is not feasible to maintain a comprehensive listing of some items, especially sweatshirt examples, given the ease with which modern technology has allowed the mass production of such items. We are however, endeavouring to keep separate details of those items likely to have a wider appeal.

History of Metallic Lapel Badges

Badges are thought to have first become fashionable in the early years of the 20th Century, reaching a peak of popularity in the 1960s through to the 1980s. A change in fashion has seen the wearing of lapel badges demise in recent years, although a number of organisations produced a special edition to mark the millennium.

Bell related badges and jewellery have a long history. The first example of an advertised item appeared in The Bell News (23rd September 1899, page 210) until 1905. The design was similar to the current Truro DG badge and was produced by the Church Agency in London. This was followed by advertisements from Coldwell of Mirfield, Yorkshire (Bell News 1901 until 1909). Unfortunately no drawing of the design was provided and it remains unknown.

The Ringing World (5th September 1913, page 156) advertised a pendant from a source that was to produce many bell related items. This took the form of three bells and was manufactured by J Comber, goldsmith and jeweller, of Woking in Surrey. It could be purchased either in gold, silver or bronze. The same jeweller also advertised silver ink wells in a variety of sizes at the same time. The business was subsequently taken over by T E Russell around 1927, with a final advert appearing on 21st September 1942 explaining that stocks were now exhausted and war regulations prevented further production of such items. Full details with copies of the relevant advertisements can be found under the Specials Section of the catalogue.

The first widely sold badge appeared in 1923. An advertisement by George Stacey, jeweller and engraver of 6 Park Street, Minehead in Somerset (Ringing World 21st September 1923, page 604) offered a standard badge to which a personal engraving could be added. Consequently, it is common to find such "Stacey" badges dedicated to different ringing organisations, or with a more personal dedication. This badge had a ship´s wheel design and was available in gilt metal, silver or gold. The advertisement remained the same throughout the period except for price fluctuations for changing metal prices, especially in the latter war years. The badge was 2.5cm in diameter and could be purchased with a horseshoe mount (i.e. for a button hole), as a brooch, or to be worn as a pendant. The same advertisement appeared until 24th April 1944, when it was reported that owing to war conditions no further orders could be taken. George Stacey was himself a bell ringer and a full obituary of his life can be found in The Ringing World (24th April 1953, page 270).

It is interesting that the local association badge (i.e. Bath & Wells Diocesan Association) has an almost identical design. Similar designs also exist for a number of other organisations (e.g. Hereford Diocesan Guild, Sussex County Association). This raises the question of whether the "Stacey" design influenced a number of early designs, or vice versa. The timetable suggests the former.

Design

Although a number of unique designs exist, two common forms are found. The most frequent is the circular badge with a coloured enamel rim containing the organisation´s name. The centre usually carries a bell design. It is also common to find badges that are bell shaped with the organisation´s name appearing on the bell itself. Other unique designs can be found with interesting design features. For example, the "Stedman Doubles Peal Band" badge (see Specials) has an outline based on the quick and slow work associated with the method it is named after.

Cast badges are usually produced from a die. It is therefore not uncommon to find the best outlines from early editions. The colour and / or shade of any enamel used may also be variable. The catalogue shows the name of the manufacturer where this appears, as well as providing details of the mounting and reverse surface. The mountings found on badges have moved from the horseshoe button hole style, through to pin fastening, to the stud type commonly associated with many recently produced badges.

A variety of metal types can be found. These include silver and gold editions, usually produced to mark special occasions. More generally badges tend to be made be made either of brass, gilt/white metal, or brass with a chrome coating. It is not always possible to distinguish between some of the latter types. Consequently the description cupro nickel is often used to describe badges with a silvery appearance.

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank a number of specific people connected with this catalogue. First, Tim Wooding, an avid collector of ringing badges himself, who provided a wealth of examples and background information. Second, John Eisel who as Steward of the Central Council Library helped with the historical details provided in the ringing organisation index. Finally, to everybody else who has provide information or copies of badges for the Library Collection.

Associations

Association name cross-reference

Manufacturers