Badges of sports clubs, associations and events are among the most widespread fields of collecting. As collectors' interest grows, however, so does the number of modern copies and reproductions. This guide sums up what to focus on when assessing a badge.
1. Material and weight
Older badges are usually made of brass, tombac, bronze or silver, while modern copies are often made of lighter alloys. An original therefore usually feels more “solid” in the hand. Silver badges may carry a hallmark – compare it with the hallmark table.
2. Enamel or resin?
Traditional badges have their coloured fields filled with enamel – vitreous glaze fired into recesses in the metal. Enamel is hard and glossy, and when damaged it chips or cracks. Newer products often use paint covered with clear resin, which creates a slightly domed, “gel-like” surface. The technique alone does not mean a fake, but it must match the period the badge supposedly comes from.
3. The reverse and maker's marks
The reverse reveals more than the front. Look for a maker's or workshop mark, numbering or text. Pay attention to the surface too: on struck badges the reverse is usually a negative of the front, while cast copies tend to have a grainy surface with bubbles and blurred details.
4. Type of fastening
The fastening often helps to place a badge in a period: a pin soldered to the back, a screw with a nut, a clip or a butterfly clutch. The type of fastening should match the time of manufacture. Check the soldering too – new solder on an old badge may indicate a repair or alteration.
5. Wear and patina
An original worn for decades shows natural wear – rubbed edges, worn gilding on raised areas, patina in the recesses. Suspicious, on the other hand, is patina “applied” evenly over the whole surface, or a perfectly new look on a badge that is supposed to be very old.
6. Sharpness of detail
Compare the badge with a verified piece or a catalogue illustration. Copies cast from an original tend to have blurred lettering, merged details and slightly smaller dimensions.
Collector's tip
Buy from sellers who state the material, finish and type of fastening of a badge and photograph both the front and the back. At FANzone we describe the enamel, metal and pin fastening of every badge. Browse our selection of sports badges.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell enamel from resin on a badge?
Enamel is a hard vitreous glaze fired into recesses in the metal; it is glossy and chips or cracks when damaged. Resin forms a slightly domed, gel-like surface over the paint and is typical of newer products.
How can I recognise a copy of a sports badge?
Copies tend to have blurred lettering and details, a grainy reverse with bubbles, lower weight and unnatural or evenly applied patina. Comparing with a verified piece and checking the maker's marks on the reverse helps.
Why is the reverse of a badge important?
The reverse usually shows maker's marks, hallmarks and the type of fastening, which help to place the badge in a period and reveal later alterations or copies.