Rifle Brigade Militia FSC

[Keith Blakeman]

An interesting Rifle Brigade Militia badge, probably worn in the very early Edwardian period. The badge appears to be a late Victorian regulars’ field service cap (SP4091/1894) but with the honours on the tablet, cross arms, wreath and scroll all blanked out likewise but visible on the rear. These are definitely not erased but blanked while at the same time the original guelphic crown has been replaced with a King’s crown, again blanked and not adapted, hence the slightly crooked base. Presumably this was done before the correct King’s Crown pattern was issued (SP4091B/1902) for the regulars.

This is the first example I've seen of this badge, the guelphic Militia glengarry carries no blanked out honours and Rifle Brigade FSC's are generally identical smaller versions of their other headress badges so why this should buck the trend is anyones guess. It joins two other non-regulars Rifle Brigade badges I have one with the SA honour on the top cross arm and the other where it's spread over the left and right ones. The latter in small form has photographic evidence of being worn as collar badges by 17th London Regiment officers but where does that leave the large nickel one I have?

[davec2]

Nice badge Keith,

I bet this has got the attention of a few " Rifles " collectors.

Dave.

[Charlie585]

Hi Keith,

I saw the going of this one but decided against it as I'm trying to stick to the regulars with the exception of a GC and a KC GG. It is a nice little badge though and certainly an intriguing piece.

My best guess is either an adaption for a non regular or a trial for the KC FSC badge, whatever it is someone has lavished a great deal of attention on it and must have had a good reason for doing so. Definitely a one off I reckon and all the more desirable for it, in hindsight it would have fitted in nicely in my RB FSC collection so I'm kicking myself now, well done though mate, glad it has found a good home.

Regards

Ry