If we’re being pedantic it may be 1901 by a couple of months*. However, I doubt they were issued or widely worn until 1902 at the earliest.
Majority of KC infantry badges were not sealed until late 1901 or even much later (1902, 1903 etc.).
Being Volunteers and privately financed no doubt the generic blank tablet WM QVC was worn whilst existing stocks lasted. And we see far more of the KC 2nd V.B. badges with the SA honours scroll than without tends to lend support to a later seal date in my opinion.
Edit: 6 weeks*. Regular East Lancs change to KC on 12/11/1901, Sealed Pattern no. 4557A/1901.
Last edited by Luke H; 14-06-22 at 08:37 PM.
Reason: Added SP no. and date - credit and thanks to Julian
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