This field covers, in the main, headdress badges of many different parts of the world, but also includes cross-belt plates, etc. An interesting example is the parallel existence of regimental badges for the British and Austrian armies, fighting on opposing sides in WW1, something unique to these two countries. Good reference books include: Kipling & King's two volumes on headdress badges of the British Army; John Gaylor's book on cap badges of the British Army; Ashok Nath's book, Izzat: Historical Records and Iconography of Indian Cavalry Regiments 1750-2007 (published 2009 by the Centre for Armed Forces Historical Research United Service Institution of India), a superb rendering of this extremely complex subject, beautifully illustrated.

Instituted 14 July 1942 primarily as a gallantry award for Ostvolk units - eg Baltic and Russian troops serving with the German army. It was also awarded after October 1942 to German troops serving with these units, provided they already had an Iron Cross, ist or 2nd class.

This badge was worn as an entry pass and identification by dockyard workers, in this case the Deutschwerker Yards at Kiel. This yard would have primarily been responsible for U- and E-boat construction at this point. It is maker marked Hoffstatter Bonn on the reverse.

This little tinnie shows an Austrian forward observation officer spotting for an artillery unit. The top of the badge has 'Col di Lana', which I suspect was on the Italian front. These badges were worn in the caps of the Austrian troops in WW1. This particular example has the maker's details on the reverse, 'Atelier G. Gurschner // Wien 7/2'.

This was worn by Ukrainian military after the Germans pulled out from occupation at the end of WW1 and, later, by Stepan Bandera's men, when they served in the Ukrainian Militia under German command in WW2 against the Russians. Blue and gold are, of course, the Ukrainian colours.

This was the plate for the green cloth Home Service helmet, introduced after the last pattern shako, to be followed by the astrakhan busby. It has the traditional Crimean battle honours, all the Peninsula ones, together with the honour for Lucknow and Ashanti, which latter was granted in 1876.

This was worn on the Home Service helmet, constructed from cork, and, in this case, covered with grey cloth. The crowned portcullis device in the centre is from the arms of the City of Westminster. The QWR, founded in 1860, served with great distinction all through the 20th century's wars.

This is the last pattern plate, still worn on ceremonial parades by the band. It is a die-struck piece, constructed of two parts. The City of London arms are displayed beneath 'Ich Dien', the Prince of Wales's motto. The regiment was founded in 1859 and served with great distinction in all the 20th century's wars.

The 7th Duke (1822-83) succeeded to the title in 1857, having married in 1843 Lady Frances Vane, daughter of the 3rd Marquis of Londonderry, whose arms his impale in the central shield. The Emperor Leopold of Austria, in consideration of services performed, created the 1st Duke a Prince of the Empire in 1704, hence the double eagle.

The Duchy of Baden was one of the minor German states to survive intact the Vienna Conference of 1814 and on into the second Reich under Wilhelm II. This is the last pattern plate for the Baden picklehaube, worn throughout WW1.

Mr D J Knight has kindly enlightened me about this badge (which might also be an other ranks pouch badge, though I think it is too big)! The company was raised in 1861 and disbanded in 1866. The dress version has a similar design in embroidery. This badge measures 4 1/8 x 3 1/2 inches.