16th Queens Westminsters & 1st Wilts RV

[denis pannett]

Is anyone able to tell me what the 16thQW badge is as I can not find in the books. It is either w/m or silver with gilt coating and my guess is an officers side cap badge?
The second question is how the 1st Wilts RV (pre 1902 I am told) relates to the 1st Wilts VRC. It is die struck with silver loops so guess an officers?
Look forward to hearing your replies. Denis

[49lassiepen]

1st Wiltshire is a nice badge Look at the flaw on the right from the crown to the cypher Laurie Archer always told me to look for this -the flaw present in the Durant collection
The Wiltshire never had a 1 st volunteer battalion [1st and 2nd vols listed in reforms 1881 ]They never used 1 st volunteer badges Using the moonrakers badge as shown until the formation of the T A 1908 and the 4th battalion The 1st Wiltshire R V 1881 until moon rakers badge taken into use
IF interested could show some rifle vols & 2nd vols No 1st vols
David

[orasot]

Can I see the back of the Queen’s Westminsters please Denis?
Wilf

[denis pannett]

Hi Wilf.
Sorry, I forgot to include it in original post - would be very interested to hear your views. Denis

[orasot]

Hi Denis,
It looks like the centre piece from the cap badge with a crown neatly added to make possibly a sweetheart or a lapel badge for a veteran. Looks like a very neat job too. I have many photos of the QWR and none show this being worn I'm afraid. If it falls outside your area of collecting I'd be interested. I have one other sweetheart made from a badge centre but without the added crown. Hope this helps, all the best,
Wilf

[denis pannett]

Hi Wilf,
Having looked very carefully and compared with my w/m badge I think you are 100% right, it matches exactly in size and shape though it has been so well done that there is no sign of the conversion! I am not a sweetheart badge collector though happy to keep as an oddity but if you would like it, I am happy to let it go.
Regards Denis