Here is a fairly uncommon badge which is often miss-identified as a pouch badge or other non-cap badge type because of it's size.
The history of this badge is even today still a little mysterious.
When the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers was formed in 1968 from the regiments of the short lived Fusilier Brigade this large device was introduced as a cap badge for the drummers fur cap. It was universally disliked because of the size and only saw use circa '68-'70 before being discarded with many ending up being chromed and used as car radiator grille ornaments by senior regimental personnel etc.
It is the same configuration / proportions as the standard regimental cap badge just much larger as the comparison picture shows. It was replaced by a small badge in the same configuration as the regimental badge but in the standard fur cap grenade shape also shown in my comparison and which is the current item worn by the drummers of the regiment in ceremonial dress.
For years collectors, historians and enthusiasts alike have cast doubt on the badge ever being worn until a single photograph appeared in the Military Historical Society bulletin number 169 in August 1992 which clearly shows this item.
It is just one of those "oddball" items that add an extra element of fascination to our hobby!
I hope this is of interest.
Regards
Mark
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