African Cavalry Guards martingale badge, Indian (c 1900)

Title	African Cavalry Guards martingale badge
Nationality	Indian
Period	c 1900

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The African Cavalry Guards were originally recruited from East Africa by the 6th Nizam of Hyderabad in the 19th century, after he had been impressed by Africans serving in the court of another Indian nobleman. Initially, 300 men were recruited. The 7th and last Nizam lost his powers in 1948, when India with great violence took over Hyderabad.

The badge is a typical British made badge, die struck from white metal. It would originally have been mounted on a leather pad, which sat on the horse's chest as part of the horse harness. It measures just over 8cm high by 5cm across.

The African Cavalry Guards must be one of the rarer of the princely states' bodyguard units. The cypher in the centre contains an 'N' and an 'H', presumably for Nizam of Hyderabad, together with a possible 'I' and a 'C' and possibly something else as well.

The condition is excellent for its age, although partially toned from oxidisation.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.

[Militaria : Badges : Indian : 20th Century]

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