Ordnance Insignia of the British Army

Brass Locker or Bed Plate

This is a pre W.W.II Brass Locker or Bed Plate approximately 4.5” x 2.25” (10.5mm x 7.5mm) in size,
with a full sized machine impressed 1918 pattern RAOC Badge image.


This example is hand stamped

7587667
 BIRT.L.

below badge.


The rear bottom right hand corner of the plate is stamped

F.NARBOROUGH
BIRMINGHAM
in small capitals.

It would appear from examining the plate that the cap badge image has been machine pressed into the plate from the rear. From the detailing of the badge it could well be from a cap badge die. The blank plate with cap badge pressing would most probably have been purchased ready stamped from the manufacture marked on the rear, with the individuals regimental number and name added by the unit by way of a letter & number metal stamping set. Most likely at the Regimental Depot at Hilsea.

The regimental number 7587667 falls within the 1st RAOC block allocation of 757401 - 7657000 so is an early number.
The second allocation being 10530001 - 10600000

Extracts from Standing Orders for the RAOC - 1929

Showing the use of Locker/Bed Plates in use

Note the folding bed in both pictures.
The use of a wall locker above, but a only a shelf with 'Barrack Box' under bed below.

M Comerford - August 2003 - HTML Revision 1