Material: White metal
Dimensions: 40 mm w × 45 mm h
Description: This original, die-struck white metal headdress insignia belonged to the Durham Light Infantry (DLI), a renowned light infantry regiment of the British Army. Measuring 40mm wide by 45mm high, the insignia features the traditional infantry symbol of a coiled, stringed bugle horn hanging elegantly along the bottom. Nestled inside the delicate cords of the horn are the bold, stylized block initials "DLI". The entire central structure is surmounted by a highly detailed Tudor crown, which is universally recognized as the King's Crown. Turning the piece over reveals a solid, unmarked brass vertical attachment slider peaking out from behind the open-voided design, which was used to slide the emblem into place on a service cap or a standard wool beret.
Circa: 1902–1952
Notes:
The bugle horn has served as the universal symbol for British light infantry units since the late 18th century, chosen because the horn was used on the battlefield to signal tactical movements instead of traditional, cumbersome infantry drums. This specific white metal pattern was worn by the soldiers of the Durham Light Infantry through the brutal trenches of World War I, the global campaigns of World War II, and the early stages of the Korean War. Because light infantry regiments prided themselves on their rapid marching pace, their insignia was streamlined to prevent snagging on field equipment.