8th Kings Irish Hussars
 

Hi All,

can anyone tell me if this one is ok ? others I've seen normally have a sweat hole ?

Cheers in advance, Mark

Yes, its good.

regards

Yes a good one. Lugs correctly placed on harp, not scroll ends.

Looking at the photograph, the white metal reverse does appear to have a circular hole.

I would have waited for a better one to come along. Looks like its been badly repaired, or even butchered.
Andy

badge
 

Hi Andy,

have added some more photos. Can you tell me please, why you think the badge may have been repaired or damaged ? If this is the case, I may return it.

Cheers, Mark

It’s not been repaired. There is a braze hole behind the crown as Frank says. The harp strings and lettering look slightly mistruck or dinged but certainly an original.

Different colour braze ? And as mentioned the scroll.
Andy

It’s just where the gold braze has patina-ed. Braze and copper loops very often oxidise to black on Victorian badges.

You can see verdigris and darker spots on the right scroll adjacent to to the attachment point and braze which has turned dark. Also a spot of verdigris on the braze at the bottom.

Clearly at some stage in its life these these areas of the badge were expose to damp and have tarnished and started to corrode.

I agree it an original, but as mentioned i would wait for a better one.
Andy

I think that particular badge is a very typical and superb example, there is nothing whatsoever wrong with it, a couple of the strings are a/f, but, that in no way detracts, I'd be very pleased with it if I were you.
I well remember the very first that I bought from South Africa as a boy, I still have it, somewhere, it has the usual rectangular hole to it's reverse, but, has been very well used.
The top of the cross from the orb has worn away and the crown has considerable wear too, notwithstanding, it is a true South African veteran, it is important to bare in mind that these badges were actually carried on the march during Campaign Service.
The regiment had an interesting time having landed in March 1900 and went to war as part of Dickson's fourth Cavalry Brigade.
They even spent some of their time under Colonel Mahon, who had once been a member of the regiment himself, whilst escorting the noble M Battery.
Again, a lovely badge.

badge
 

Due to positive comments from members, it will be a keeper after all. Many thanks for all replies..

Mark

If you don't like it, send it over to me!