Badges of the Black Watch of Canada (and predecessors)

[Adam H]

Hi everyone,

I thought I would post a few more badges from my collection.

First...a variation on a theme. While these all look similar, they are distinctly different variants of the 5th Royal Scots of Canada / 5th Royal Highlanders of Canada Glengarry badge. There are quite a few others that I don't have...yet. Badges date from late 1870s until approx 1906.

If anyone has questions on particular badges, please let me know. I'm happy to give close up photos and details.

[Adam H]

Member of the regiment wore this type of badge on the "Quilted Shako" between 1862 and 1875, thus this is what would have been seen on the headdress during the Fenian Raids period, etc.

[Adam H]

Here's a bit of a rare animal. This badge was worn by the regiment when it was titled the "5th Battalion Royal Fusileers" (correct spelling!) between 1876 and 1880.

Difficult to photograph as the badge is so convex.

An officer's pattern (multi-piece, gilt finish) was offered for sale recently...sadly I was massively outbid.

Views of the obverse and reverse...

[Adam H]

Another one that was very difficult to photograph well...still didn't turn out as well as I would have liked.

As Cross Belt badge worn by officers and senior NCOs of the 5th Royal Scots of Canada circa 1885-1900.

[Adam H]

I'm sure this isn't unique, but I've only ever seen one example of this particular badge on offer, and I was lucky enough to obtain it.

A silver plated, multi-piece officer's feather bonnet badge circa 1906-1914. This example was manufactured by Hobson and Sons and has their details to the reverse. An extremely well made and beautiful badge.

[GrantRCanada]

Adam:

Came across this thread while Googling '5th Royal Scots of Canada" - seems like you may be the man with the knowledge to assist me ...

Can you advise what period this badge is from, and what sort of head-dress it would have been worn on?

[73rhc]

Hi Adam,

I was wondering if you have a detailed list of the different variations of the 5th badges.

John

[Adam H]

John,

Do you mean the glengarry badges?

If so, not really. I have a basic chronological idea regarding the main versions, that's about it. With so many variants, and with their use straddling serveral issues, dating these is problematic, and largely arbitrary.

The most useful guide is, of course, Brooker's book on the subject. As good as the book is, it is still lacking in a lot of detail. I have a feeling that, like me, he found it difficult to pin down many details.

Cheers,

Adam

[73rhc]

Adam,

I did indeed mean the glengarry badge.

What I'm looking for is the differences between the badge i.e ear differences on the boar's head or eyes or....

John

[GrantRCanada]

Gentlemen:

I am still in search of images of the version of the 1881-pattern helmet plate, and also collar badges, which would have been worn by the 5th Battalion following their 1884 redesignation as the Royal Scots of Canada - preferably officer's pattern.

So far, the only image of any sort that I have been able to locate which shows much of either item is R.J. Marrion's rendering of a circa 1891 officer in full dress, in "Military Uniforms of Canada, 1665-1970". Unfortunately, I am not at all sure how accurate this depiction is .... nor is the detail very good.

For those not familiar with this painting, a small version of the plate is shown below, with cropped details of the helmet plate and collar badge.

Is anyone able to help with photographs or other images of either of these items?

[Adam H]

John,

One of these days I'll get around to cataloging them...but in the meantime if you have one that you want to compare just let me know.

The most noticeable differences are the metal type, the font of the lettering in the scroll (particularly the "O"), the thickness of the metal (in the struck examples), and the lugs.

As a general rule, I feel the thinner strikings represent the earlier pieces.

Adam

[girlingm]

Here is a badge I have owned for 50 years.
I have no concern about its authenticity.
It is cast iron chromed.
I only found out this week it is from Canada 5th Royal Scots.
Does anyone have any information on this.
It seems quite unique.