1914 Infantry cap badge Pattern numbers

[KLR]

I’ve been thinking of providing something useful for Forum Members for a while.
So I’m adding the list of War Office Pattern numbers to the photograph of my collection of Foot Guards and Infantry – My Album / 1914 Infantry.

I’ve had this data for a number of years now. The information came from TNA and NAM, mostly my own research but some came from a friend no longer with us.

This provides a snapshot of what patterns were in use in 1914 (WG actually 1915). Most cap badges were first sealed in the 1890s – though some Scottish Glengarry badges date from a decade earlier.

Some reflect changes since the first pattern, for example most dated 1901 to 1903 reflect the change from QVC to KC. Others are changes of design – there are a few added notes. There is information on what happened in 1916 but I’m hoping to publish an article on those. What changes occurred from 1914 to about 1939 are also available at TNA.

I’m afraid I never (as a boy) really collected cavalry or Corps badges – but there will also be details at TNA. The only other Pattern numbers (and more) that I have researched are for the King’s Regt – and I’m still working on that !

Enjoy !

[davec2]

Hi Julian,

This is sure to help me, thanks in advance if it does !

As for editing a title, I think you can access your thread, click on edit, click on advanced and then alter your title, if you can't, it's an emergency message to Mike.............

Dave.

Hello again Julian,

This won't get my doors done but you have made my day and I've only just looked at one example, I recently bought a very nice Leinster from a friend which has lugs, we discussed the lugs/slider situation at the time and decided that even if, by 1914, sliders were being used, there would be no rules stating that a soldier who had been in the Leinsters for a long time ( we assumed his badge would have lugs ), should change it unnecessarily, so I've acquired a ' stella ' badge at a good price and I'm well pleased....

DC.

[2747andy]

Julian,
thank you! A superb reference (now get the lawn done!) - Andy

[Alan O]

Great info- which came first the 3 lugs versus 2 lugs argument about the Seaforths appears to have been answered!

On a separate note does this not push sliders forward to pre 1901 from 1906 in some cases?

[judge dredd]

Hello Alan0,i too have a Seaforth badge with 3 lugs and i was wondering why!Rob.

[davec2]

Julian,

You managed to change the title of this thread then ??

As with others, my Seaforth has three lugs, I also have one with four but I think it may be part of the Queen's Own Highlanders ?? does anyone know ??

Dave.

[KLR]

Two notes of caution, sliders were (generally) introduced in 1906. The note as to which badges have sliders or lugs relates purely to my collection and means nothing - except probably after 1906. The RACD records would not normally change a pattern because of a change in fixings (v occasionally - eg WG in 1915) but there are general remarks in the RACD ledgers about changes in 1903 and 1906. The SP cards (in museum collections) also have annotations noting minor changes, eg sliders etc - the KLR one does certainly.
I'm afraid I have no idea about the lugs on Seaforths - I think I've had that one for 35 odd years - whether it is correct for the date or not, I dont't know - but the Pattern is !!!

The other thing I'd say is about nomenclature !
It occurs to me that people who designate badges as eg Post 1926 or Pre 1926 is 99% because they don't know what date the pre 1926 badge was !!!!!
I prefer to refer to badges by Pattern / year - anyone can look them up !

[2747andy]

Originally Posted by davec2

Julian,

You managed to change the title of this thread then ??

As with others, my Seaforth has three lugs, I also have one with four but I think it may be part of the Queen's Own Highlanders ?? does anyone know ??

Dave.

Dave,
if it has vertical lines behind the lettering on the base scroll it is Seaforths, if smooth then it is a QOH/Highlanders that's missing the thistle device!

Andy

[KLR]

That just sent me running upstairs to check mine - yes, ribbing = Seaforths !
I know about ribbing, seeding, lettering etc on KLR badges but never knew about these Scottish things ! NOW - I wonder if the QOH came with 3 lugs ????

[fougasse1940]

Thanks for posting this Julian, most helpful.

Rgds,
fougasse1940.

[davec2]

Originally Posted by 2747andy

Dave,
if it has vertical lines behind the lettering on the base scroll it is Seaforths, if smooth then it is a QOH/Highlanders that's missing the thistle device!

Andy

Hi Andy,

For once I'm going to be something that I don't favour too much in others !

I'm going to be a little pedantic here, we've spoken about the differences with the Seaforth and the QOH scrolls before, everyone seems to think ' striped ' is Seaforths and ' smooth ' is QOH's.

Here are four badges I have, I would appreciate opinions on these please, from anyone !!

Thanks again.......................going back to my normal persona

Dave.

[Peter Brydon]

Dave,
Sometimes you have to consider the evidence and come to your own conclusions.

Peter