British India: Madras Volunteer Guards. 'Imperial Crown' Pagri / Helmet Badge. Brass

A cast badge of the type reported worn through to circa 1917 Dimensions: Approximately (W)50mm x (H)72mm The badge is cast with solid centre, and retaining the 2 x copper loops to reverse as issued Note: The National Army Museum (Field Marshal Chapple Collection) includes an example with voided centres and pin fittings on reverse The Madras Volunteer Guards were the senior-most infantry regiment of the Indian volunteer movement, and have their origins dating back to the year 1857 - the year of the Indian Mutiny - when the Madras Volunteer Guards were raised as a precautionary measure. With the creation of the Indian Defence Force in April 1917, the unit was restyled '1st Madras Guards'. On the subsequent creation of the Auxiliary Force India in 1920, the unit was re-styled 'The Madras Guards' Condition: VF