Mystery British Colonial (?) Badge

[Toby Purcell]

Can anyone, by any chance, identify this mystery badge? I think that the central cypher refers to V.I. and thus Victoria ‘ Imperatrix’ (i.e. Empress). As such it very likely relates to either a British Indian Army unit (most likely), or a unit from one of the Dominions. The crown is one of the stylised versions of the St Edwards crown used during Victoria’s reign, and the high quality dead gilt finish implies an officer’s badge. The absence of honours and general plainness of the badge suggests that it could also be a police rather than military badge. Unlike Britain, Colonial police constabularies did not always use white metal (silver) Insignia.

I would be grateful for the views and combined expertise of forum members?

[Arthur R]

AFAIK, in the colonies, Queen Victoria was usually VRI, i.e. "Victoria Regina Imperatrix".

VI could stand for Virgin Islands.

[altcar73]

It is unlikely to relate to the Virgin Islands. Prior to 1960, the BVI formed part of the Leeward Islands and insignia would reflect that fact.

Dave.

[Toby Purcell]

Originally Posted by Arthur R

AFAIK, in the colonies, Queen Victoria was usually VRI, i.e. "Victoria Regina Imperatrix".

VI could stand for Virgin Islands.

You are right that several badges had VRI, Arthur, but some had just VI.

[Cribyn]

Identical badge and query posted here - http://www.britishbadgeforum.com/for...ad.php?t=64927

I thought the North-West Province Police a possible contender.

Roger

[leigh kitchen]

I was racking my brains trying to work out where I'd seen that badge in the past few days. Memory's going.

[Toby Purcell]

Originally Posted by Cribyn

Identical badge and query posted here - http://www.britishbadgeforum.com/for...ad.php?t=64927

I thought the North-West Province Police a possible contender.

Roger

Many thanks Roger, it seems as if you might have made an ID. I have posted it on the behest of an enquirer in the VWF.