Waikouaiti Rifles 1865 - British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum

pukman · #1 31-05-16, 01:13 AM

I'm following up a museum request from Waikouaiti(North of Dunedin) on this soldier .Doe's any one recognised his hat badge .The unit was only operating one year in 1865 ,reforming later with a different uniform .

It may be an early Volunteer badge or possibly one of a British unit .Is 1865 too early for NZ volunteer badges ?

Any opinions would be appreciated .

Cheers Iain

Tinto · #2 31-05-16, 02:26 AM

Hi Iain,

Interesting picture you have shown. I'm no expert but the badge looks something like a QVC/VR cypher. I have one like it which I think is the first pattern Heretaunga Mounted Rifles badge, on left of the picture attached.

Cheers, Tinto

atillathenunns · #3 31-05-16, 08:03 AM

I agree the badge is a scrolled VR with Victorian crown.
Interestingly, as early as 1861, friendly Maori were issued VR badges to identify them from hostile Maori, unfortunately hostile Maori got a hold of one and made copies that were used to infiltrate British lines. Badge wise they would rate as the earliest known badge fakes.

pukman · #4 31-05-16, 08:45 AM

Another one of the Waikouawiti Rifle Volunteers ,circa 1890 .Helmet plates opinions ?

Tinto · #5 31-05-16, 10:04 AM

Hi Iain,

Another excellent picture, thanks for showing. Three men are possibly wearing the general issue NZ Volunteers HP with bugle and garter (Oldham 2/1). I think others are wearing the British Coat of Arms which don't seem to have a scroll? Something like Staff Instructors (Oldham 3/49).

Cheers, Tinto

atillathenunns · #6 31-05-16, 10:05 AM

Some similar helmet plates from my collection.

pukman · #7 31-05-16, 06:08 PM

Thanks chaps ,hopefully I can get some more gems from the Waikouaiti museum to look at

Cheers Iain

NZWARS · #8 10-01-19, 04:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pukman

I'm following up a museum request from Waikouaiti(North of Dunedin) on this soldier .Doe's any one recognised his hat badge .The unit was only operating one year in 1865 ,reforming later with a different uniform .

It may be an early Volunteer badge or possibly one of a British unit .Is 1865 too early for NZ volunteer badges ?

Any opinions would be appreciated .

Cheers Iain

Certainly agree that this is a Crowned VR badge. Possibly in silver. Probably a generic badge from the UK or Australia. Lovely image. Thanks for sharing