SLI (Vols) FS Cap Badge

A scarce, white metal, field-service cap badge for a volunteer battalion of The Somerset Light Infantry with two lug fastenings (east and west). As Churchill 411.

Note: Churchill states: "In the S.A.H.R. Journal Volume XXII, No 89, is an article by E.J. Martin Esq, 'The Universal Helmet Plate 1878-1914', it states that the helmet plate centre (Fig. 411), 'was formerly worn as a collar badge'". Churchill adds: "No documentary or photographic evidence has been located that confirms this statement."

That said, in the late Victorian period it was common for British infantry regiments to wear the badge used as the centre of the helmet plate as an early cap badge (in brass) and for the volunteers to mirror this badge in white metal.

Code: 57596