Lot 508

Description

Loyal Workers Industrial Crisis 1917, uniface red, white and blue enamel silver plated bronze badge (29 x 25mm) (maker [?]) (Smith, unlisted). Very fine and very rare.

This badge was given to Waterside Workers who defied the unions and remained at work during the general strike of 1917. These loyal workers or 'scabs' were in mortal danger from the strikers so the badges were generally hidden or disposed of because of possible repercusions for possessing one, even the maker avoided being identified on the badge.