Baldric Badge 1st H.L.I

[Brwbroon]

Good evening Gents

For some 30 years I have had this badge in my collection but have never been 100% convinced by it. It is, I believe, part of the fittings for a pipers baldric belt of the 1st Highland Light Infantry.
The badge is of three piece construction ie star, bugle and 71 with the three pieces being braised together. Fixing to the belt is achieved by threaded posts and nuts.
The reverse shows the cast construction of the star along with what appears to be four hallmarks, only the second decipherable ie a thistle, and parts of the words Regimental Property 1st HLI.
The badge is 64mm x 64mm point to point
The question is as always - real or fake?

Eric
Baldrick Badge 003.jpg

Baldrick Badge 005.jpg

Baldrick Badge 009.jpg

[manchesters]

You dont show the badge side on, but from what I can see it appears ONE piece rather than 3, and cast as such.

The hallmarks appear cast in also.

It may be an original copy or a 30 yr old copy, I cant tell I'm afraid.

regards

[grenadierguardsman]

[Brwbroon]

Originally Posted by manchesters

You dont show the badge side on, but from what I can see it appears ONE piece rather than 3, and cast as such.

The hallmarks appear cast in also.

It may be an original copy or a 30 yr old copy, I cant tell I'm afraid.

regards

Hi Simon
Thanks for the reply.
I can confirm that the badge is of three piece construction and attach a picture that I hope demonstrates this. Also picture showing screw posts.

Regards
Eric
Baldrick Badge 012.jpg

Baldrick Badge 014.jpg

Baldrick Badge 013.jpg

[Jeff Mc William]

Hi Eric
I think I can confirm your badge is genuine. I have seen photos of it in use as a Baldrick badge, a Sporran badge, and yes, even as a Piper's headdress badge !
They have two fine examples in the R.H.Fus Museum in Glasgow. One is dated Edinburgh 1922...the other I am not sure of. Yours certainly looks a nice item. Regards Jeff
PS: Will post the images on later if I can "dig them out". J

[Jeff Mc William]

Hi Eric
Here are two of the pics as promised in my last post. Oddly tho' I cannot find the one of this badge as actually worn on the Baldrick belt ?? Strange, in view of the fact that it has been identified as such by many sources. Perhaps some other member can help with this. Meanwhile I shall continue looking. Regards Jeff
1st Bn HLI Vic Pipers.jpg HLI sporran H&H.jpg

[Brwbroon]

Hi Jeff
Thanks for taking the time to search out the pictures and putting them up on the forum. I look forward to seeing the missing picture.
On the subject of authenticity perhaps I should take it as a positive that these badges do not appear on the market very often, if at all.
Looks like a visit to the RHF Museum is called for.

Regards

Eric

[Jeff Mc William]

Hi again Eric
What convinced me that your badge was genuine was the reverse which (from the photograph) looks exactly like the two in the R.H.Fus Museum (including the indistinct hall marks). They probably would have the photo I am looking for too !
PS: I would presume that the badge on the Balmoral cap is die-struck in wm or silver with copper lugs ?? Regards Jeff

[Jeff Mc William]

Hi Eric
This is not the picture I have been looking for as it does not show the Baldrick badge of the 1st Bn clearly enough. Also, it is in any case only a sketch (admittedly by the HLI expert Douglas N Anderson), so my apologies, but I cannot seem to find the image that I thought I had. Very sorry.
Incidently, it is recorded that Pipers of the 2nd Bn did not wear a Baldrick badge...well, certainly not for the period 1881 to 1914. Regards. Jeff

Piper 1Bn HLI.jpg