British Legion Standard Bearer's cap badge

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c. 1921

Overview

British Legion Standard Bearer's metal and enamel hat or cap badge. It comprises the traditional British Legion badge attached to a brass backing plate.
The badge itself features a highly detailed, relief-sculpted lion's head of silver tone metal in the centre, symbolising courage and British heritage. The lion is framed by a cut-out horseshoe or crescent-shaped banner of dark blue enamel containing the embedded words 'BRITISH LEGION' in gold uppercase lettering. The backing plate is in the shape of an eight pointed star and is surmounted by a Queen's Crown in the style of that used during the reign of Queen Victoria.
Five central clips affix the badge over the face and are visible from underneath. There are two copper lugs whick would have been inserted through the helmet or hat fabric and secured with a split pin.
The issue number 'H1014' is impressed into the reverse. The 'H' stands for Hat. There are no maker's marks.

Historical information

The British Legion was created on 15 May 1921 by amalgamating four distinct veteran groups: The National Association of Discharged Sailors and Soldiers, The National Federation of Discharged and Demobilized Sailors and Soldiers, The Comrades of the Great War, and The Officers' Association. Field Marshal Douglas Haig and Tom Lister spearheaded the formation to advocate for the rights, healthcare, and employment of millions of disabled and destitute ex-servicemen.
The charity was granted its Royal Charter in 1921, officially becoming the Royal British Legion (RBL) in 1971 to mark its 50th anniversary.
Given that this badge has 'British Legion' rather than 'Royal British Legion', it is dated from between the founding in 1921 and 1971. The low issue number indicates it is likely to date from the earlier end of that date range.
Badges of this large, crowned star design were specifically worn by Standard Bearers and sometimes Bandsmen/Bandmasters on their ceremonial headwear.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW01093

Item type

Badges

Collectibles

Ephemera

Themes

Social History

War and Conflict

War and Conflict > World War 1

War and Conflict > World War 2