This commemorates the service of the Gloucestershire Regiment in Egypt in 1801, unique in the annals of the British Army, inasmuch as they are the only regiment to wear the back badge commemorating the moment when the rear file of the regiment was ordered to turn around and fire at the French who were attempting to take them from behind.

The Durham Light Infantry had a great tradition of imperial service, having been raised originally as the 68th Foot, with extensive service in the Peninsula, the Crimea, India and New Zealand.

The Royal Engineers were responsible for bridge/road building, mine fields, their laying and clearance, etc. These brooches would have been worn by women on their handbags and lapels to commemorate the service of their men in the field, a tradition which started in the Boer War.

This is a particularly fine die-struck gilt badge (4 x 4.5cm), possibly fire gilt (as opposed to electro-gilt), with the coat of arms of Dubin in the centre, backed by the sword and scales of justice and a civic mace, topped by the burgher's crown. A court official (eg the Tipstaff of the Court) would have worn this.

This could be a commemorative piece for any of the late Victorian Jubilee celebrations. Alternatively, it is just possibly an ordinary patriotic piece with no particular date. Her long reign spanned from 1837-1901, but my guess is that this was definitely made towards the latter end of it.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The regiment was raised as the 6th Dragoon Guards (Carabiniers) in 1788 and served with that title until 1920, when they were amalgamated with the 3rd Dragoon Guards. The badge is typical of the ornaments worn on the black leather undress back pouch in the Regency period.