A very rare War Department Messenger's lapel badge, silver, gilt-bronze and enamel, oval badge with

A very rare War Department Messenger's lapel badge, silver, gilt-bronze and enamel, oval badge with a central crown and 'ON SPECIAL SERVICE 1920' to a blue enamelled border, below the badge a silver pendent greyhound running left, the reverse with lapel fitting and engraved 'KING'S MESSENGER No 16', in its fitted case by A. H. Baldwin & Sons Ltd, some enamel damage to the border and the central plaque seemingly lacking its white enamel ground, otherwise very fine.

The Bamber Collection.

During the First World War an increase in the need for sensitive material to be couriered abroad coincided with a contraction in the size of the corps of King's Messengers. The War Office addressed this situation by creating its own temporary corps of messengers, distinguished by badges of this type.