18th Hussars

[denis pannett]

I have these two 18th Hussars badges which I assume are about 1903/4? K&K 785 says officers in gilt only so is the bronzed one an OR's badge? I would be very interested to hear your views. Many thanks. Denis

[denis pannett]

I posted this 2 months ago and have had no replies so far. Does anyone else have similar in their collections or able to give more info on them? Do hope someone can enlighten me! Regards Denis

[Alan O]

These are mine.

Left to right:

QVC version circa 1900. There was a k/c version also in 1902.
K/C with change of title in 1903.
As above 1905.
The final badge adopted after 1910.

The one you show is indeed attributed to officers only. I did wonder whether they might be in fact officer's collars but that is speculation on my part.

[denis pannett]

Many thanks for your reply Alan and your thought on collar dogs is interesting though I do not see why the gilt one should not be a cap badge as per K&K date about 1903? and perhaps the bronze/gm one an officers bronze if they had them at that date? For interest I attach from my collection photos of the pre 1898 one and the 1902 KC version which is in mint condition apart from appearing to have had the lugs replaced which is very odd!

[Alan O]

I think you have reinforced my point about them being collars with the picture of the bi-metal badge. The absence of title could be why they were shortlived but equally might point to a collar badge.

The 18th Hussars went through a series of designs in rapid succession due to a change of monarch and the changes in the regiment's title.

I would expect the bronze to be worn on khaki so that might suggest why it exists. Finding a tunic from the period would be a tall order unfortunately but the regimental dress regulations may still exist.

[cbuehler]

Personally, I am not convinced that the badge on the right starting this thread is bronzed. It looks more like a patinated GM badge. Patination such as this has confused many as it does resemble bronzing, but the uneven and exceedingly thin coloration overall is not what I would expect on a bronzed badge. Those red-ish colored areas are frequently seen on GM badges which have been exposed to certain elements over time.

CB