Hi ros and Greg
I have taken several close looks at both your lapel badge and the other on "evil-Bay" and believe Greg to be correct in saying the "44" below the crown is the year of manufacture.
I arrived at this conclusion due to the relative condition of your badge compared to that on "evil-Bay". If your lapel badge was indeed manufactured in 1944 as now seems probable, it is 33 years OLDER than the other and one would expect what is visible on yours:
(a) although in good condition, the enamel appears dull and faded, and
(b) a general "smoothing" of the surface probably due to handling over many years (now approx70 years).
Regards
Q98
Fremantle
W.A.