WWI era hallmarked silver identity tag for Lance Corporal R.J. Williams

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c. 1917

Overview

World War One era, hallmarked silver curved identity tag with rectangular fittings on either end through which a strap would be fitted to wear as a bracelet.
It is engraved with the following: 'L'C R.J. WILLIAMS' under which the Welsh Regiment emblem is depicted (three ostrich plumes emerging from a coronet) with '2'7th' on the left and 'Cyclists' on the right. Below that is written the service number '291311' and the letters 'W.N.'.
The reverse is plain with the exception of the maker's mark and three hallmarks along the lower edge.

Historical information

This identity bracelet would have been worn by Lance Corporal H.J. Williams who served with the 2nd/7th (Cyclist) Battalion, Welsh Regiment. His service number (291311) confirms he was a member of the Territorial Force. The British Army re-numbered the Territorial Force in early 1917, and the 290000 block was explicitly allocated to the 7th Battalion (Cyclists), Welsh Regiment. The 'W.N.' likely indicates his home recruitment district or specific company area within Wales.

Unfortunately, it has not been possible to identify R.J. Williams.

The series of hallmarks on the reverse from right to left are the London Assay Office mark (represented by a leopard's head inside a shield); the Lion Passant (Standard Mark) certifying the metal is authentic 92.5% Sterling Silver; and the Date Letter "b" corresponding to the assay year 1917.
The maker's mark appears to be R.H. or R.M.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW01050

Item type

Accessories

Collectibles

Ephemera

Personal Effects

Themes

Social History

War and Conflict

War and Conflict > World War 1