Material: Gilt Brass
Size: 50 mm w × 50 mm h
Description: This artifact is a World War I era glengarry cap insignia struck for the Scottish Company of the City of London National Guard Volunteer Training Corps (VTC). The multi-tiered design features a highly faceted, diamond-cut St. Andrew's cross overlaid onto a radiating sunburst backing star. Mounted securely to the center is the distinct armorial achievement of the City of London, showcasing a heraldic shield charged with a St. George's cross and a sword in the first quarter. The shield is flanked by two prominent winged dragons acting as supporters. An elegant banner woven along the base is crisply embossed with the city's Latin motto, “Domine Dirige Nos” (Lord, Guide Us). This unmarked item is struck in a rich brass-gilt composition and retains its original dual-lug fastening pins on the reverse side.
Circa: 1914-1918
Notes:
The Volunteer Training Corps acted as a vital home defense force during the Great War, comprised largely of men who were above or below standard military age or working in exempted occupations. The Scottish Company was an exclusive sub-unit within the London National Guard, allowing Scottish citizens residing in England's capital to maintain their distinct regional heritage by adopting traditional glengarry headwear and customized insignia. Because the VTC units were rapidly disbanded immediately following the 1918 Armistice, the operational lifespan of this specific design was exceptionally short.