The Silver Pin [Series III-VI] [unconfirmed]

Right, I think it's about time I mentioned this bloody thing.

As a self-proclaimed, occasional, intermittent, pseudo-expert on Lister's Jacket, I can reliably say that this single pin badge ranks among the most difficult in finding any information about whatsoever, and also by far the most frustrating to me of them all, in tracking down. I have, to date, never seen one in the wild.

Let's look at the facts. The piece is about 2" x 1.5" in height and width. It seems to have a convex curve to its nature, as in a walking stick medallion, though it also looks like it could be a cap badge. Its overall shape is deceptively circular, with two demi-circles cut into the left and right edges, that some have theorized gives the appearance of opposing axe blades. It has two pinholes spaced evenly between its upper and lower edges. The centre of the pin most likely features a feathery bird of prey/eagle/osprey/emohawk's head in front of two crossed, black battleaxes, which seems to suggest either a fire brigade, or biker connection. The bird's beak, and protruding red tongue, look to be enamelled in yellow and red respectively: the badge's only other colours.

There are two 'banners' top and bottom. The upper banner, such as it is, is illegible at even the highest resolution images currently available. The lower banner features a barely-legible slogan that nobody seems able to agree on. Some say that it begins, "1st", others say "The". For the longest time, I reckoned it said, "England", though at this stage of the game, all bets are off.

You may recall, during the Series V episode, The Inquisitor, actor Jake Abraham, who plays Lister's so-called Sperm-in-Law, wears an identical Lister jacket [likely, the back-up], which also features the very same pin. This strongly suggests to me, that the pin was identified and sourced, in mind to preserve continuity.

Of all the unknown elements of the jacket, this is the one that almost hurts, given the lengths of time and my considerable efforts to find it. Working backstage for GNP at one of the Dimension Jump fan conventions, I bumped into a fellow fan/cosplayer, who had crafted a very impressive Lister Jacket, that Craig himself had gladly borrowed, before parading up-and-down the ballroom before the helplessly-gleeful throng of onlookers. I recall mentioning to the fan, the lack of the mystery silver pin on his leathers, as usually seen on the screen-right lapel of the jacket between Series III-V, before briefly transposing to the screen-left breast of Lister's Series VI leather waistcoat, where it can be seen from Gunmen-onwards.

If memory serves, he went on to mention how, some years previous, he had visited an antiques shop of some description, where somebody placed a number of motorcycle badges in his hand to consider purchasing. Guess which one he rejected, never to be seen again?

... It was the silver pin. I'd have thought you'd have guessed that, to be honest.

If you happen upon one of these during your travels, do give me a shout. I would be very grateful, indeed, for the chance even to learn more about its history.