Rare Tower Hamlets Rifles Hallmarked Silver Officers Cap Badge, fine example with hallmarks for Birmingham 1938 and makers mark of J R Gaunt & Sons. Two lug fittings to the reverse.
The regimental cap of the Prince Consort’s Own (Rifle Brigade) features a Maltese cross adorned with a circlet inscribed “The Rifle Brigade, Tower Hamlets Rifles,” enclosing a strung bugle topped by an Imperial (King’s) crown. The cross is surrounded by a laurel wreath intertwined with seven scrolls on each side, all bearing inscriptions of battle honors. Battle honors are also engraved on each arm of the cross. Atop the upper arm of the cross, joining the ends of the wreath, rests a tablet embossed with “South Africa 1900-02,” itself crowned with an Imperial (King’s) crown. Below the lower arm of the cross lies a scroll bearing the inscription “PRINCE CONSORT’S OWN”.
The Tower Hamlets Rifles, established in 1861 as a London-based auxiliary unit, began as a volunteer corps before evolving into a volunteer battalion of the Rifle Brigade in 1881. Its members saw active duty in South Africa during the Boer War (1899-1902). In 1908, the battalion transitioned into the 17th (County of London) Battalion, a component of the London Regiment. With the expansion of the Territorial Force, the unit diversified, with 1/17th (County of London) Battalion serving on the Western Front, 2/17th deployed in France, Macedonia, and Palestine, and 3/17th Battalion, established in 1915, operating domestically. By 1926, these battalions were amalgamated into the 17th London Regiment (Tower Hamlet Rifles). In 1937, the unit adopted the designation Tower Hamlets Rifles, The Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort’s Own).
*Condition*
In sound, used condition. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
RQMEOXCGE_8361154219
