Name/Title
245th Battalion Overseas (Canadian Grenadier Guards) - extremely rare sterling silver recruiting pin manufactured by Henry Birks & Sons, Ltd. (Montreal) - Circa 1916Description
Part of the Lieutenant Michael A. Hayes-Rivet (MHR) Trust Collection
*** FOR ARCHIVE PURPOSES ONLY - ARTIFACT NOT PART OF MUSEUM COLLECTION ***
An extremely rare 245th Battalion Overseas (Canadian Grenadier Guards) sterling silver recruiting pin manufactured by Henry Birks & Sons, Ltd. (Montreal) - Circa 1916
Front: A Canadian Grenadier Guards Cap Badge, 14 point 'Grenade Fired Proper' on top of a disc with embossed lettering of "I secured a recruit for this battalion" and in the center, "245th"
Reverse: Pin and Clasp with makers mark (MM) and silver content mark.
Makersmark: 'BIRKS' and 'STERLING' stamped on reverse.
Sterling silver (925): This is the standard for silver, identifying a silver item that is at least 92.5% silver mixed with copper to give it strength. Marks on these pieces include 925 or Sterling.Context
The 245th (Canadian Grenadier Guards) Battalion, CEF was a unit in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War. Based in Montreal, Quebec, the unit began recruiting in the spring of 1916 in that city. After sailing to England in May 1917, the battalion was absorbed into the 23rd Reserve Battalion, CEF upon arrival. The 245th (Canadian Grenadier Guards) Battalion, CEF had one Officer Commanding: Lieutenant-Colonel Charles C. Ballantyne.Created By
Lieutenant Michael Hayes-Rivet, retired.Create Date
January 5, 2022Updated By
Lieutenant Michael Hayes-Rivet, retired.Update Date
May 31, 2025
