Black Watch Feather Bonnet Sphinx

[cbuehler]

Any info out there regarding the Sphinx badge as worn on the Bonnet by officers and (not sure of this) Pipers? I do know that they should be a "female" of the type.
I don't recall having ever seen a proper one for sale.

CB

[rmarsden]

Originally Posted by cbuehler

Any info out there regarding the Sphinx badge as worn on the Bonnet by officers and (not sure of this) Pipers? I do know that they should be a "female" of the type.
I don't recall having ever seen a proper one for sale.

CB

Here are ten different patterns dates range from 1850s to 1920s.

[grenadierguardsman]

Very nice lovely design to imo.
Andy

[leigh kitchen]

A lovely display - can more detail be provided re. dates of use etc of each type please?

[cbuehler]

Originally Posted by leigh kitchen

A lovely display - can more detail be provided re. dates of use etc of each type please?

Second that and also photos of reverses please!

CB

[rmarsden]

Most of these badges have been described in my BW threads ie 42nd, Victorian and 1902-36. Will do reverse view tomorrow.
Ron.

[cbuehler]

Cant find anything further....any explanation as to the silver, gilt or bronze variations? They seem to privately made in some examples.

CB

[rmarsden]

Originally Posted by cbuehler

Cant find anything further....any explanation as to the silver, gilt or bronze variations? They seem to privately made in some examples.

CB

CB,
All officers purchased their own uniforms from military tailors or in some cases items were handed down within families. The tailors in turn contracted out the making of the badges to local badgemakers, jewellers silversmiths. There are an infinate number of variations based around the general style of the regiment.
Have shown the reverse of three you mentioned.
First left is a cast WM version with three spikes for fittings. This badge came from Stan Pagets collection, he thought it was intended to be nailed into a wooden cantle top. My best guess is that it is a 42nd drum majors baldric badge, but because I'm unsure I have not posted on my 42nd thread.
Second is a die-struck silver bonnet badge worn by Territorial officers circa 1908-14.
Last is a bronze die-cast sphinx with folded over tangs, possibly 3rd Militia Battalion but again as I'm not sure I haven't posted on the 02-36 thread.
Hope this helps Ron.

[cbuehler]

Thanks much, there does not seem to be much of any info out there on these. Interesting to note that Territorials wore this badge with Egypt on the plinth, unlike others that specified the battle honour to be blank.
I am also surprised at the variations. Apparently as long as was female, other details would be anything goes, which generally conformed to the design.

CB

[leigh kitchen]

It looks like the sphinx didn't have to be female (a male is included in the image in post no. 1).

[cbuehler]

Originally Posted by leigh kitchen

It looks like the sphinx didn't have to be female (a male is included in the image in post no. 1).

So indeed it is! The lack of standardization here is very strange.

[rmarsden]

I believe the breast is there if somewhat descreetly displayed.

[rmarsden]

CB,
More variations though none of these are in my collection.
The first one is interesting its a cut down other ranks bonnet badge circa 1870s.

[cbuehler]

Have to admit that I am fascinated by these now. The only "rule" would seem to be that no two shall be the same!
Must have me one....

CB

[leigh kitchen]

Originally Posted by rmarsden

I believe the breast is there if somewhat descreetly displayed.

"Like sparrers kneecaps" was the term used for that sort of minimalist torso ornamentation where I come from.

"Sex and Sphinxes.....", an old article by Phil Daybell in Crown Imperial mentions that sometimes the distinction between the male and female sphinxes on insignia wasn't obvious but that The Black Watch portrayed both on theirs.