The Queens Royal Lancers
This is probably one of the most recognised of all British cap badges.
However, although the QRL was only formed in 1993 when the 17th/21st Lancers amalgamated with 16th/5th (Queens Royal Lancers) the badge has been in existence far longer.
The "Deaths head" badge known as the motto came into being when the 18th Regiment of (Light) Dragoons were formed after the battle of Quebec in 1759. They were renamed as 17th Lancers (Duke of Cambridge's Own) in 1861 and retained the Skull and Crossbones.
In 1922 the 17th amalgamated with 21st Lancers and again the badge was retained.
In 1993 the latest amalgamation took place with 16th/5th Queens Royal Lancers to form the Queens Royal lancers of today. Again the cap badge of the old 17th (aka Motto) was retained.
There were small differences in the design until circa 1922 since when it has remained fairly consistent beyond slight differences between makers.
The badge shown here can be determined as a QRL item because it is in sterling silver (for officers) with a hallmark for Edinburgh 1999. This current officers badge is now approximately the same size (allowing for maker differences) as that of the other ranks (enlisted men) whereas previous silver officers badges had been visibly smaller as in my last picture which compares an earlier silver officers badge with a white metal ORs badge.
This very much one of those badges which continues to turn up looking slightly different from others in a collection meaning that you just keep adding "one more" even if the differences are not sufficient to represent a clear "variation". It certainly is iconic and a very striking image. No wonder it continues to be retained!
Regards
Mark
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