Fine Original WW1 Period Brass National Motor Volunteers Cap Badge

Here on offer is a fine example of an original and scarce WW1 die-cast brass National Motor Volunteers cap badge.

The badge depicts the image of 'Mercury' the winged messenger of the Gods mounted on a spoked motorcar wheel, inscribed with the words 'National Motor Volunteers’. This is mounted above a scroll with the words ‘Pro Patria’.

On the reverse it is stamped with the maker's details "J.R. GAUNT LONDON" and still retains its original blade fittings.

The 'National Motor Volunteers' was formed in London in early 1916 primarily to transport soldiers arriving in London at night after the buses and Underground had stopped. A year later it became a nationwide organisation and part of the Volunteer Training Corps (later Volunteer Force) - the WW1 equivalent of the Home Guard. It was used for transporting Volunteer battalions, evacuating hospitals in the event of an emergency and assisting in the aftermath of air raids. In July 1918 it became part of the ASC and was retitled ASC Mechanical Transport (Volunteers). It was solely for home defence and never served overseas.

The badge is in excellent condition and retains its original fine detailing.

It measures 1.5” (3.7cm) high by 1.2” (3.1cm) and weighs 9g.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.

Many thanks for taking the time to look.

Code: 51901