WWI Countess of Ranfurly's Own Regiment cap badge sweetheart brooch
c. 1915Bimetal cap badge for The Countess of Ranfurly's Own, 3rd (Auckland) Regiment, New Zealand Infantry.
The central area has been removed to create a void into which a portrait of a young girl has been inserted. She is in profile and has long, curly hair and a fringe held in place with a headband. The photo is not particularly clear.
The outside of the badge is a silver coloured wreath above a scroll with the impressed words 'Countess of Ranfurly's Own'. To the inside of this is a circular band of gold coloured metal topped with a King's Crown. In the band are the words '3rd (Auck.) Regiment N.Z. Infantry.'
The lugs which would have attached the badge to the cap have also been removed and replaced with a brooch fitting.
The maker's name, 'J.R. Gaunt, London' is stamped into a rectangular area at the back of the crown.
The Countess of Ranfurly's Own refers to the 3rd Battalion, Auckland Regiment, New Zealand Infantry. The regiment was initially formed in 1899 as the Auckland Infantry Volunteers, and Lady Ranfurly, wife of the Governor of New Zealand, presented them with their first colours.
The central motif of the original badge is an upraised, armour-clad arm holding a sheaf of wheat. It is from the coat of arms of Lord Auckland after whom the City and Province of Auckland is named.
The identity of the owner and that of the girl picture are unknown. She may have been the daughter of the soldier.
Photo lockets, pendants and brooches were very popular during wartime and there are a large number of them in the collection.
Details
Details
On front of badge:
"COUNTESS OF RANFURLY'S OWN"
"3RD (AUCK.) REGIMENT N.Z. INFANTRY"
On reverse of badge:
"J.R.GAUNT
LONDON"
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