WW1 Silver War Badge (SWB) to Samuel Chapman, A pre war regular soldier of the DCLI (Duke of Cornwalls Light Infantry) - low number

A first pattern SWB officially impressed 1639 awarded to Sergeant Samuel Chapman, DCLI. An unmarked silver circlet inscribed 'For King And Empire Services Rendered' bearing crowned 'GRI' Imperial Cypher to voided centre, to which a red felt backing has been added, presumably by the owner, so I have left this in place. In good condition, original C clasp and pin. Circa 32mm in diameter.

6227 Sergeant Samuel Chapman enlisted during the Boer War on the 7th February 1900. He was entitled to a 1914-15 trio and entered France on the 19th December 1915. He was honourably discharged account of sickness just under a year later on the 15th November 1916. Copy of CD version of SWB roll entry to together with a copy of his WW1 Medal Index Card (MIC) to be supplied. An early SWB award hence such a low number, '1639'. Worthy of further research as I suspect he had some Boer War service also.

Approximately 1,150,000 badges were issued to all services, which had to be claimed and then approved. The first pattern SWB was issued between September 1916 and March 1918, and these were of a better quality than most later stampings. Around 335,000 of these early badges were issued to all services.

G132

Code: 62760