86th Royal County Down glengarry badge, British (c 1874-81)

Title	86th Royal County Down glengarry badge
Nationality	British
Period	c 1874-81

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In 1881, the 86th RCD became 2nd Battalion, the Royal Irish Rifles. These badges replaced the county militia titles worn formerly on the Pork Pie hat of the post-Crimea period. The glengarry cap, which replacecd the Pork Pie hat, looks like an American overseas cap, but with the addition of two silk tails at the rear and a pom pom on the top.

This badge started life as plain brass, had its lugs removed at some point and was given a silver-plated finish, much of which has worn off. The silvering perhaps indicates conversion by an NCO or an officer to make a smarter looking badge. It also now has a conventional hinge pin fitting on the back. However, it is still a rare badge and priced accordingly.

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[Militaria : Badges : British : 19th Century]

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