A Bullseye for Collectors

For collectors, themed enamel badges can become as absorbing as the hobbies they represent, and few subjects are as visually striking as archery. From the bold target rings to the heraldic shields of county associations, these small works of art once celebrated the skill and spirit of local bowmen across Britain.

Before mass production and plastic finishes took over, enamel badges were made using real glass enamel, fired onto metal and finished by hand. That craftsmanship makes them prized today, especially those with intact colour and original pin fittings. As with most collectables, condition counts, but a rare badge with a chip or old repair can still serve as a valuable “gap-filler” until a better one comes along.

Collectors should always check the reverse. Many older examples were engraved with winners’ names or specific awards, which adds a layer of history and desirability. One fine example here bears the inscription “Most Golds 1962”, a tribute to an archer’s accuracy marking every bullseye struck that season.