Straight Australia metal shoulder title - 1

The 'AUSTRALIA' shoulder title was first mentioned in 'Standing Orders for Dress and Clothing' 1912, where it was stated: "Officers serving abroad are permitted to wear on the shoulder strap, while with other troops, the word 'AUSTRALIA' in brass or gilt letters." The curved 'AUSTRALIA' badge, in an oxidized (black) finish, was worn by all ranks of the A.I.F. during World War One on the shoulder strap (or epaulette) of the jacket.

It is not certain whether this particular shoulder title was officially issued or something handmade in a workshop or as trench art. The shape and size of the letters does seem to correspond with those found on the curved shoulder titles.

WWI nurses were issued with silver straight shoulder titles, but they were smaller in size.
There is anecdotal evidence that officers were issued with straight titles, but this can't be confirmed.

This example of a straight shoulder title differs from the other in the collection by being made from unoxidised brass and and having the individual letters sit between two horizontal lines rather than on top. It appears to be hand made rather than machine made.