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.

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.

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.

This cloth badge (8.5 x 11 cms) is quite uncommon, as far as football memorabilia goes, and almost qualifies as militaria by virtue of Aldershot being such a big army base. It appears to be mainly of wool with the embroidery in silk.

This is one of a pair of badges that would have been worn on the collar of both the full dress uniform and the blue walking out uniform of the regiment. The horse of Hanover indicates the ancient lineage of the regiment. It is in bi-metal, ie gilding metal with a white metal centre. As [er usual, there are lugs to the reverse.