27th Lancers

[peter seaman]

Good Evening Wilf & Keith,

Both badges shown, with and without slider, are from aFirmin die. I have in my collection examples of each. One of them, as Wilf's, has been bronzed and came to me along with an embroidered beret badge from Capt. Joe Hartigan MC.. Some of the bronzing is part worn away to reveal the officers bi-metal pattern badge. I also have a couple of these which, and I agree with Keith's comments that they are impossible to polish to any degree of shine. This makes me wonder if they were produced to be bronzed and therefore would not require polishing? Just a thought?. Bi-metal lance pennons are wholly officers only.

Good Evening Old Smelly, Lee, if I may?,

I have seen officers head dress badges with lugs both east - west and north - south. The lugs on the Firmin ones that I have are east - west with the lugs placed one behind each lance pennon. There are three patterns of 27th Lancer officers embroidered head dress badges. None are wholly of bullion but a mixture of bullion and coloured silks. One is on khaki material for wear on the khaki side cap. The other two are on red for wear on the regimental pattern side cap and the other for wear on the beret. The elephant on the beret badge has ears that stick out quite a way whereas the badge worn on the coloured side cap has ears that are hardly visible. There was a suggestion that an embroidered badge existed on dark blue material but in all the time that I have spent researching the regiment I've failed to find any evidence for this at all. Though I would add that I always retain an open mind, for tomorrow one may turn up!!.

All good wishes,

Peter