8th Gurkha Rifles - Silver 1914

[gurkharifles]

I was very pleased to pick this up from ebay recently ( still some bargains to be had!) - It's a very rare hallmarked silver collar badge made by Bent and Parker to the 8th Gurkha Rifles dated 1914, which has been converted to a sweetheart badge (?) . It's not recorded in the Gurkha museum's booklet on the insignia of the Regiment, but was worn on the officers mess kit. I've only ever seen one other example ( also by Bent and Parker and 1914 ) and I managed to buy that one. There is an outside chance that the pin fastening is original and was worn on the cap - ( I have a number of Gurkha badges with a pin fastening which were worn on the pagri or other headgear ) - I don't think Bent and Parker ever made sweetheart brooches? Any comments gratefully received. Tim

[Frank Kelley]

I'd actually be quite surprised if that was proven to be a sweetheart brooch, I like it very much.

[gurkharifles]

The other thing I've noticed is that when a sweetheart brooch is "converted" from a piece of original regimental insignia the converter usually leaves one of the original lugs as the pin securer - ( presumable a lot easier for the guy who is doing the conversion ) - in this case both lugs were "removed" ( difficult to see if they were ever there in the first place ) - so I'm begining to lean towards the brooch fastening was "made" by Bent and Parker.

[Frank Kelley]

I think it is really superb, I would be absolutely delighted with it, a very thick pin, over kill for a ladies dress.