History of Enamel Badges

Enamel Badges in some form have been worn for hundreds of years. The earliest known or recorded badges are from the 12th Century when the Pope allowed Pewter Badges to be made with pictures of St Peter and St Paul on.  Pilgrims would buy them as a sign of their devotion and also to demonstrate their faith and devotion. Returning from a pilgrimage with a badge provided a form of proof that the pilgrimage had been made.  During the 14th century pilgrimages were very popular and there is evidence that badges were popular souvenirs. Many badges have been found by the banks of the Thames including near to the famous Tarbard Inn near Southwark. Chaucer wrote about the Tarbard Inn as a place where pilgrims gathered. It is possible that badges and coins were thrown into the river much like we do in the modern day when making a wish.

Badges entered the political arena in a noticeable way in England at the end of the 18th Century when the Quaker firm Wedgewood supplied a ceramic badge denouncing slavery.  In 1807 William Wilberforce purchased 50,000 medallions in order to promote the Anti Slavery cause. William Wilberforce is famous for having the slave trade outlawed in Britain. These were made by Edward Thompson of Birmingham. The medallions were ordered as part of his election campaign for the seat of Hull. This is the first major political campaign in Britain that used Badges as part of the marketing campaign. His political opponents, Viscount Lascelles and Lord Milton, seeing the benefits of badges ordered similar badges from Edward Thompson to promote their campaign. William Wilberforce one the day with a large majority.

Enamel Badges in their present from are another Great British invention originating from the Midlands in the 1840’s. With advances in engineering and Die Stamping technology the mass production of Metal Badges became far cheaper and quicker. Once available at affordable prices Enamel Badges became available to a far wider market; charities, clubs, trade unions, schools and businesses. 

From the origination of their present look in the 1840’s Enamel Badges it is common to see Enamel Badges being worn on people’s lapels. Religious or political beliefs can be shown with an Enamel Badge. A person can identify himself or herself as a member of a club or society with an Enamel Lapel Pin. A company can promote its logo or identity by having an Enamel Badge made with the corporate identity on and have the employees wear them or give them as corporate gifts. Medals are given for marks of achievement. School Badges are a great example of this as the classic “Prefect” badge is one of the first badges a child becomes aware of to indicate achievement and position. Charitable organisations will advertise their cause by selling Enamel Badges, having the wearer both advertise and donate money gratefully at the same time.

Originally Enamel Badges were fairly simple items as they slowly moved away from the simple designs available when production methods were cruder. As time has gone on the methods of production have developed and with the introduction of computer aided design it is possible to have some very detailed Enamel Badges with some wonderful effects and finishes.

Enamel Badges never did manage to top the popularity of the cheaper Button Badges in America.

Most Enamel Badges are produced in China now days due to the cost of manufacturing and very little is done in the west.