*British, WW1 / Early Interwar, Irish Guards Other Ranks Foreign Service Helmet / Pagri Badge – Star of St Patrick – Two Copper Loop*
An original British Army Irish Guards Other Ranks Foreign Service helmet or pagri badge in gilding metal, measuring approximately 4.5cm x 4.5cm. The badge takes the form of the distinctive eight-pointed Star of the Order of St Patrick, incorporating the regiment’s shamrock over St Patrick’s saltire within a central circlet bearing the motto “QUIS SEPARABIT” (“Who Shall Separate Us?”) together with MDCCLXXXIII (1783), commemorating the foundation year of the Order of St Patrick.
Of particular interest is the reverse construction, retaining its original solid copper wire loops arranged in a north/south orientation. These heavy wire fittings were hard-soldered directly to the badge body and are characteristic of earlier British badge manufacture. Unlike the slider fittings commonly encountered on service dress cap badges, this fitting arrangement was intended for secure attachment through the pleated cloth pagri wrap of Foreign Service and tropical sun helmets. The substantial die-struck gilding metal construction and period wire fittings suggest an early manufacture, entirely consistent with WW1 or early interwar production.
Approx. Measurements – 4.5cm x 4.5cm.
History Note:
The Irish Guards were raised by Queen Victoria on 1 April 1900 in recognition of the bravery and service of Irish regiments during the Second Boer War. Their badge design adopted imagery associated with the Order of St Patrick, the premier order of chivalry in Ireland founded in 1783. The motto “Quis Separabit”, meaning “Who Shall Separate Us?”, had long-standing associations with Irish military traditions and became one of the regiment’s defining symbols.
During the First World War and subsequent overseas imperial service, British troops serving in warmer climates frequently wore Foreign Service helmets fitted with cloth pagris. Specially configured badges such as this example, with robust opposing copper loops, were designed to withstand field wear and secure mounting to these helmet coverings. Such fittings are considerably less commonly encountered than standard slider-mounted cap badges and remain popular with collectors of Guards and tropical service equipment.
*Condition*
Good untouched service condition displaying pleasing age and service wear throughout. Retains much of its original gilt finish with age darkening, scattered verdigris spotting and natural patination to recesses. Original copper wire loops remain firmly attached and untouched to the reverse. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
RQMABXBG_1835241664
