The Essex Regiment Cap Badge

Material: Bi-metal (gilding metal with white-metal scroll and sphinx)
Size: 40 mm w × 40 mm h
Description: This authentic military artifact is a standard-issue cap badge worn by the Essex Regiment, a line infantry regiment of the British Army. The bi-metal construction features a brass center piece showcasing the multi-tiered Castle of Gibraltar with its key dangling from the main central gateway. Surrounding the fortress are two curved branches of oak leaves and acorns, which connect directly to a prominent white-metal lower banner carrying the unit's title, “THE ESSEX REGT”. Perched boldly at the very pinnacle of the emblem is a white-metal Egyptian Sphinx resting on an inscribed tablet reading “EGYPT”.
Reverse: Plain back with long brass slider; no maker’s mark.
Circa: 1898-1958
Notes:
The distinct heraldic elements on this badge celebrate the storied battle achievements of the regiment’s two predecessor units, the 44th and 56th Regiments of Foot. The Sphinx commemorates the 44th Foot’s heroic actions against Napoleon's forces during the 1801 Egypt Campaign, while the Castle of Gibraltar honors the 56th Foot’s legendary endurance during the grueling Great Siege of Gibraltar from 1779 to 1783.