Great side cap. A couple of points to add:
-The pals wore the double scrolled badge on their peaked caps - but this was by no means universal and some were the single scrolled badge.
-There are a number of photos of them in side caps with a single scrolled badge when they were in UK late 14/early 15. The only photos of side caps show a single scroll badge and not the double scrolled version which was solely worn on the khaki and dark blue peaked ones. Photos of the Pals with single scroll badges are in here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Birmingham-.../dp/1848844220
-I have suspected that the Pals side cap badge may have been a regimentally procured badge and not the standard issue one so a lugged all brass one is a possibility. The chain however looks to be officer type.
- Some good photos of the 3rd Bn here in winter 1914. Some are wearing the dark blue peaked caps whilst others have side caps.
http://www.moseleians.co.uk/birmingham-pals/#
-I can't be certain that your hat definitely is Pals; but it warrants further investigation. I would actually prefer it if the piping was not there as the 1915 'postmans blues' uniforms did not have such regtl distinctions and it may be a regtl hat.
Thanks for showing.
Alan