This is my second summer out hunting, been in and around Central Otago over last few weeks & picked up the usual items, fishing tackle, some low value coins, cartridge cases. But this is my first badge, found at a very remote highcountry camp site where an early homestead once stood. Was down a good 100mm below a stand of old man pines. I was even more excited when I did the google research.
(WLOG) Wilfredian League of Gugnuncs - children’s club membership badge (c.1930)
This charming enamel badge was issued for the Wilfredian League of Gugnuncs (WLOG), a children’s club run by the Daily Mirror newspapers. The club was founded in 1927 but it’s origins go back earlier to 1919, when the comic strips featuring Pip (the terrier), Squeak (the punguin) and later Wilfred (the rabbit) were first published. The comic strips followed the adventures of Pip, Squeak and Wilfred with many of their friends along the way. Written by Bertram Lamb (1889-1938) and illustrated by Austin Bowen Payne (1876-1956), Bertram also signed himself as ‘Uncle Dick’ editor of the Daily Mirror’s children’s corner. The comic strips ceased publication in 1956.
This design depicts Wilfred, a very long eared rabbit peering over the edge and the initials W.L.O.G. It dates from 1927 to the mid-1930’s. Incidentally, it is very hard to find these badges with their plating intact, as per the example illustrated above.
Enamels: 1(blue).
Finish: Tin/nickel plated. (few specimens of this badge is seen complete with it original tin plating).
Material: Brass.
Fixer: Pin.
Size: 1” diameter (about 25mm).
Process: Die stamped.
Makers: J R Gaunt, London.