*British, Late Victorian / WW1 Era, 19th (Princess of Wales’s Own) Hussars Brass Cap Badge – “ASSAYE” Elephant Battle Honour, Two Lugs*
A British cavalry cap badge of the 19th (Princess of Wales’s Own) Hussars, featuring the regiment’s distinctive elephant standing above a scroll inscribed “ASSAYE.” The badge is die-struck in brass and shows the traditional regimental emblem awarded for the regiment’s service in India.
The elephant device commemorates the regiment’s distinguished conduct at the Battle of Assaye (23 September 1803) during the Second Anglo-Maratha War, where forces under Major-General Arthur Wellesley (later the Duke of Wellington) defeated a much larger Maratha army. As recognition of this action, the regiment—then the 19th Light Dragoons—was granted the elephant badge as a unique battle honour.
The badge shows the elephant standing on a textured ground line above a curved scroll reading “ASSAYE.” The reverse retains the original two tall brass lugs, the standard attachment used for service dress and forage caps during the late Victorian and Edwardian period.
Badges of this type were worn by Other Ranks of the regiment from the late 19th century until the regiment’s amalgamation in 1922, when the 19th Hussars combined with the 15th Hussars to form the 15th/19th The King’s Royal Hussars.
Approx. Measurements – Width: 4.8 cm. Height: 3.5 cm.
History Note:
The Battle of Assaye is considered one of the most significant victories of Arthur Wellesley’s early military career. The honour was highly prized within the regiment, and the elephant badge became one of the most recognisable cavalry insignia in the British Army. The regiment served extensively across the Empire during the late Victorian and Edwardian periods and saw active service during the First World War on the Western Front.
*Condition*
Good original condition with attractive age patina to the brass. Details remain well defined across the elephant and scroll. Both original tall brass lugs remain intact to the reverse. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
JAQ#3098E_1996237427
