Century Treasures
King's Own Royal Regiment Cap Badge
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Treasure detail

King's Own Royal Regiment Cap Badge

Under Review

Material: Brass (gilding metal)
Dimensions: 55 mm w × 35 mm h
Description: This vintage military artifact is an authentic British Army King's Own Royal Regiment (Lancaster) cap badge. The sturdy, die-struck all-brass insignia depicts a highly detailed lion statant guardant, crafted with an intricately textured mane and a sweeping, elevated tail profile. The majestic creature stands positioned directly upon a straight, integrated lower banner bearing the unit's historic title "THE KING'S OWN" executed in crisp, uppercase sans-serif block lettering. Measuring precisely 55mm in width by 35mm in height, the open-worked design exhibits a warm, natural copper-brass patina with minor spots of verdigris oxidisation around the recessed crevices. The reverse face is entirely unmarked and comes fitted with its original heavy brass vertical mounting slider, which has been historically cut or shortened.
Circa: 1898-1959
Notes:
The prestigious right to bear the Lion of England as a regimental crest was originally granted to the unit by King William III following their loyal service during the late seventeenth century. Unlike many other British line infantry units that frequently integrated the sovereign's crown or localized laurel wreaths into their headwear emblems, the King's Own maintained an exceptionally clean, minimalist aesthetic that let the strength of the royal beast speak for itself. The regiment fought with immense distinction across both World Wars, participating in the brutal trench fighting of Ypres and Cambrai, as well as the crucial Allied campaigns across North Africa, Italy, and Burma.