King's Own Scottish Borderers :Pipers Kilt Badge

[Borderer]

Dear Forum Members,

I was sent a picture of a badge recently and asked if I knew when it was worn by the Regiment?

I had never seen one like this before and as it was King's Own Scottish Borderers it was post 1887. Moreover, it was not a cap badge so what was it?

Being a collector of cap badges and other insignia to the Regiment I was intrigued to say the leased. Nevertheless, after some research and finally speaking with retired Pipers of the Regiment I was able to identify it as a Pipers Kilt Badge.

The 1st Bn King's Own Scottish Borderers left Edinburgh for Hong Kong in 1949 were I believe these were made, prior to or after the Korean War on their return to Hong Kong, and worn by the Regimental Pipers, that in its self make them quite rare, as there would be no more that 20 to 25 Pipers at one time serving, therefore only between 30 to 50 maximum would have been produced and as there production would have been funded by the Regiment cost and limited numbers would be a factor.

I now have one in my collection thanks to a very kind member in this Forum

The badge was worn in the centre of the lowest rosette on the right side of the kilt as can be seen in the photograph attached, (the photograph can be dated May 1961 when the 1st Bn was leaving Berlin after its first of three tours 1973 - 1975, 1987 - 1989, point of interest to note: The 1st Bn KOSB left from Brooke Bks Berlin in May 1961, The Wall was put UP, The 1st Bn KOSB left from Brooke Bks Berlin in February 1989 and The Wall Came DOWN!

Kind regards
Hiram

[Alex Rice]

Thanks for posting that, great detective work!

[Peter Brydon]

Great that unusual items like this are recorded for future collectors.

P.