Army Inspection Branch identification badge
c. 1940Circular, brass with remnant enamel badge issued by the Army Inspection Branch during World War Two. It has a raised rim, lettering, and central rectangular, plain brass panel on which the number '4605' is impressed. The words around the circumference of the disc read 'Australian Branch Army'.
This example is well worn with the only remaining enamel around the external rim and between the letters. The metal surface to which the enamel was originally adhered is stippled.
The reverse of the badge has the words 'Issued by Department of the Army, Not Transferable' in raised letters. The remants of a brass clasp fitting are present. There is no maker's mark.
The Australian War Memorial has a painting of female inspectors of the 'Inspection Branch, Army' ensuring quality control in the detonator section, Commonwealth Explosives Factory, Maribyrnong, Victoria. They are wearing armbands with the letters 'I.B.' (Inspection Branch) on them, so it may be that badges such as these were worn in munitions and other factories on the home front during World War Two.
The Army Inspection Branch today is a section of the Royal Australian Army Ordnance Corps (R.A.A.O.C.), responsible for inspecting and maintaining equipment, vehicles, and weapons.
Details
Details
On front of badge:
"INSPECTION BRANCH
ARMY"
On reverse of badge:
In horizontal lines at top and bottom:
"ISSUED BY DEPARTMENT
OF THE
ARMY"
In an arc around the lower circumference:
"NOT TRANSFERABLE"
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