*British, c.1938–1939, Territorial Army (TA) Mufti Civilian Lapel Badge – Silver – King's Crown – Early Serial No. 23586*
An original pre-Second World War British Territorial Army (TA) civilian wear or "Mufti" lapel badge, believed struck in silver and retaining its original numbered crescent buttonhole fitting to the reverse. The badge displays the classic pre-war Territorial Army design with the intertwined "TA" monogram housed within a circular frame surmounted by the King's Crown (Tudor Crown) and finished with the distinctive Territorial lion motif at the base.
Issued for wear in civilian clothing, these compact insignia allowed members of Britain's Territorial Army to discreetly identify themselves while out of uniform. Rather than using a pin fitting, the badge retains the characteristic crescent or horseshoe-shaped buttonhole attachment, designed to slide securely through a jacket lapel buttonhole. The reverse fitting is individually stamped 23586, a comparatively low serial number which strongly suggests issue amongst the earlier production runs shortly after the badge's introduction.
Approx. Measurements – Height: 2.8 cm. Width: 1.1 cm.
History Note:
As tensions increased across Europe during the late 1930s, Britain undertook a substantial expansion of the Territorial Army. In 1938, alongside recruitment drives and organisational reform, members were issued these specially designed "Mufti" badges for wear with civilian attire. The intention was to provide a discreet badge of service and identity outside uniform while maintaining an official appearance.
The individually numbered reverse fittings also acted as an issue-control measure, helping regulate and account for officially issued insignia. Badge serial 23586 falls very early within known issue ranges and likely dates this example to the first production period of 1938, before the outbreak of war and full mobilisation in September 1939. Once war commenced and Territorial formations became integrated into Britain's wartime forces, these early pre-war badges rapidly became a transitional piece from the final years of peacetime volunteer service.
The badge itself appears to be struck in silver, consistent with many original early examples. The darker age toning and finish visible to the obverse are characteristic of naturally aged silver military insignia.
*Condition*
Good original untouched condition displaying honest age and service wear throughout. Retains original reverse crescent buttonhole fitting stamped 23586. The badge shows attractive age toning and natural patina with surface wear commensurate with age and use. Reverse fitting remains intact and functional. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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