Pipers cap badge 1st Bn The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)

[Watchdog]

As with other regiments having pipers The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) pipers also wore a cap badge which differed in design from that worn by the rest of the unit.

This one is a pipers cap badge from the 1st Battalion (The 2nd Bn wore a larger version of the standard badge) and as can be seen in the comparison image it is quite distinct from the standard design.

The central star shape in fact represents a "Mullet" (an heraldic term for the shape) or spur-rowel (the sharp rotating disc of a horse riders spur) which is from the coat of arms of the Douglas Clan as opposed to a celestial star.

The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) is a different regiment to The (Queens Own) Cameron Highlanders who were amalgamated with The Seaforth Highlanders into The Queens Own Highlanders (Seaforths and Camerons) whereas the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) chose to be disbanded in 1968 rather than be amalgamated.

This badge is stamped in "white metal" like many other British badges and was worn in the Glengarry cap and Tam O'Shanter (TOS) bonnet from 1921 - 68 (from 1860 -21 the design was the same but the size was smaller).

This is not the most rare of badges but is one that many collectors either fail to recognise or mistake it for a pouch badge or similar.

As usual comments are welcome.

Regards

Mark