HP Center Or Something Else?

[Roy]

Hi Gents,

So I wanted to share this little King's (Shropshire) Light Infantry badge that came to me as a gift recently and solicit your thoughts on its use?

Both the design and size match that of the circa 1896-1908 Officers Field Service Cap Badge of which I have a couple of examples. The difference here though is the 'prong' fittings to the rear (see photo).

I strongly suspect that it is actually the central device for the post 1881 officers helmet plate and the prongs are for the correct attachment to the latter. But it wouldn't be the first time I had the wrong idea, so wanted to run it by you all for opinions.

HPC or something else?

Cheers, Roy.

[davec2]

Hello Roy,

I do not think it is a HP centre !!

I think it has thr wrong fixing medium ???

Dave.

[Roy]

Thanks for that Dave,

I should have included the size so here you go: 31mm hight and 30mm width.

The badge is clearly cast and as far as I can see the prongs appear original.

Fingers crossed someone will have an idea?

Cheers, Roy.

[billy]

This is only speculation but at any time did K.S.L.I. ever have the corded "Boss" may have the terminology wrong but similar to KRRC, Ghurkas, Light Infantry? An idea ?

[Roy]

Hi Billy,

Thanks for that, something I hadn't considered. I don't know that I have seen a corded boss used with this style of badge before but certainly something to consider. I wonder if the size is a little large though?

I was quite confident about my first 'HPC' idea but Dave has put a wobbler on that one.

Any other thoughts or ideas gents?

Cheers, Roy.

[Peter Brydon]

Roy,

I think it may well be the central device from an offices helmet plate ( c f Kipling and King 266 ).

The centre devices on officers helmet plates were often attached by thin wires to a metal disc covered in cloth which then fitted behind the universal wreath/garter, an example is shown in the attached photo.

Peter