Material: Brass
Dimensions: 28mm (width) × 18mm (height)
Description: This 28mm wide by 18mm high insignia is an authentic military shoulder title badge displaying the crisp letters "MF". Struck or cast as a single solid piece from a copper-rich brass alloy, the insignia features clean geometric serifs on both characters, unified across the top and bottom margins by solid connecting bars. It was designed to slide cleanly onto the fabric shoulder straps or epaulettes of a service dress tunic. The reverse features an unmarked, flat finish with a single thick attachment lug brazed directly onto the spine, omitting the highly refined commercial maker hallmarks typically stamped by large European contractors.
Circa: Early 20th Century
Notes:
Militaria experts classify this exact style of solid-backed, block-letter title as a locally produced Indian Army unit insignia. The initials "MF" represent specialized auxiliary or defensive units raised within the subcontinent, such as the Malabar Force or specialized regional garrison groups. Because these pieces were frequently made by local metalsmiths in regional bazaars or arsenals to meet immediate frontline supply demands, they show coarser filing marks and a unique, warmer copper patina compared to standard factory-stamped pieces. Finding this piece with its single rear attachment lug completely intact is excellent, as the rough stress of field wear often snapped these hand-brazed fittings.