Worcestershire Regiment Valise Badge, 2nd pattern, circa 1881 - 1890

A heavy cast gilt brass valise badge for The Worcestershire Regiment with the usual 'box' fastening. Some minor wear to gilt finish on bottom rays otherwise in great condition and rare. Bennett dates this badge to 1881 - 1890. It did not find favour with the Regiment and most examples had the WR hammerer out by the Armourer. This is in 'unhammered' condition and could be a rare survivor. Although another source quoted by Bennett claims it was worn with WR by the 1st Battalion and other battalions had the WR removed. Bennett also confirms that the earlier versions were cast and latter patterns die struck. This is therefore an early cast version, but there quickly followed die struck patterns of this issue also. Bennett 'Badges of the Worcestershire Regiment' No 1105 refers. Comm RoHa (B3)