This is a recent acquisition which is in extremely good condition.
It is an officers pattern (therefore private purchase) TOS bonnet to the Gordon Highlanders.
The cap badge is sterling silver hallmarked for Birmingham 1943 and the maker JR Gaunt & Sons.
The badge is of the "Staff" pattern worn by SNCO and Warrant officers but the fact that the badge is hallmarked silver rather than unmarked silver or a nickel alloy (therefore much more expensive) and that the bonnet came from the estate of a commissioned officer suggest that this was probably the property of a WO1 most likely Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) who was subsequently commissioned as an Officer. I am still in the "take the item not the story" camp but this seems to explain this combination.
The bonnet is in remarkable condition which makes me think it is not as old as the badge but is does have good age and the badge (only one ever fitted) has a backing piece of yellowed and roughly cut rigid celluloid which is an indicator of age in itself. That is to say; when did you last see a piece of celluloid at all let alone one yellowed with age like this?
Overall it is a very nice piece and I am delighted to have it.
As usual all comment and opinion is welcome.
Regards
Mark
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