Much More Than A Badge

Here’s a fine example of New Old Stock—a trove of pristine Salvation Army cap badges dating back to the First World War. For collectors and dealers, the first rule remains: condition and quantity don’t determine authenticity.

These brass and silver-washed badges, complete with red cloth inserts, bear the stamp “MADE IN ENGLAND,” a marking born out of the 1887 Merchandise Marks Act. This act mandated that products clearly state their country of origin, coincidentally the same year that Captain William Ebdon designed the Salvation Army badge, giving rise to its emblematic details in 1878.

Look closely at the badge’s intricate symbolism:

• The Sun’s Flame Edge – Representing the light and fire of the Holy Spirit.
• The Crown of Glory – For the reward faithful soldiers receive from God.
• Crossed Swords – Signifying the “war” in Salvation.
• The ‘S’ on the Cross – The true cross of salvation.
• Seven Dots – Representing the truth of the holy gospel.
• Red Cloth Backing – For the blood of Christ.

It turns out, this isn’t just a badge; it’s a story. Salvation Army huts—serving tea and buns—became veritable lifelines on the war front between 1914 and 1919, bringing a taste of home to weary soldiers.