Here are a few facts:
The badly discoloured badge in question is a perfect match to this 1897 pattern ORs version:
http://www.britishbadgeforum.com/for...ctureid=117448
Sealed in 1897 and worn on FSC with a 2 lug attachment. Note the same brazing holes and 2 part construction.
In 1902 this design was replaced by the sealed pattern with the standard regt castle. The regtl castle had been directed by the WD to be used instead of all Regtl style of castles on 30th Jan 1900 (not the badly made k/c twin towers on a slider despite what any dealer will tell you) with the 3 towers castle and lugs.
The lugs were replaced with vertical shanks the following year for wear in the Brodrick: and then shortened in 1906 for wear with the peaked khaki cap introduced in 1905.
The SD officers badge first authorised in 1902 would be one part die cast with blades. However the standard Officers headgear at that time was the Torin cap on which the officers wore an embroidered badge. This was later replaced by a peaked cap with a fullsize silver/gilt badge - picture shown circa 1910.
As for the Boer war, in 1899 the Suffolks wore Foreign Service helmets without badges. This headgear is shown in several photos of the regt from c1900.