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.

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.

This is a particularly nice example, retaining virtually all its gilt finish, identical in style to the 1871 pattern Home Service helmet plate, but I suspect the sabretache badge predates this design-wise. It would have been worn on a black patent leather example when full dress was not required.

The parent unit (Ceylon Light Infantry) was raised in the last quarter of the 19th century from planters, purely British European personnel, and served with distinction in the Boer War and later on in WW1 at Gallipoli. The Ceylon Mounted Infantry contingent then became Ceylon Mounted Rifles in 1906.

A valise badge was worn in the centre of the backpack and was originally fastened by four small copper lugs on the reverse. However, later in the 19th century this was modified by using lead solder and brass sheet to form an oblong slot on the reverse. This unusually has its original black patent leather backing.

This is the sports vest badge, which has loose poppers on the back for fitting to male popper studs. These do not appear on the market very frequently - possibly they were only worn by the sports teams of the battalion in question, namely the 3rd. The cipher indicates that this was from George V's reign.

In March 1860, the rifle corps then in existence within the Birmingham area (three) were amalgamated as the 1st Warwickshire (Birmingham) Rifle Volunteers. In 1883, it became the 1st Vol. Bn. of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment. This badge probably dates from c. 1896 when the county regiment badges were introduced.