Ethiopian Pith Helmet Badge, deliberately ground-off finish?

[Chacal]

Good morning

I got this Ethiopian pith helmet badge in a job lot a while ago. What, to my eyes, makes it unusual is that the enamel surface has been deliberately ground away leaving a matt finish. My initial thought was that it was an over-zealously cleaned detecting find but it shows no signs of ever being in the ground and, apart from the surface loss, is otherwise in good condition. My second thought was maybe it was to reduce the risk of reflection at night, similar to the blackening of cap badges? It must have taken some effort – looking at it in hand you can see the ‘faceted’ appearance left on the enamel as the surface has been abraded. Has anyone encountered anything similar with enamel badges, or any other suggestions as to why it may have been done?

Usual caveat – it will be for swap/sale once I’ve satisfied my curiosity.

Thanks for looking

Graham