Material: Bi-metal (gilding metal and white metal)
Size: 51mm W × 40mm H
Description: This line infantry headdress insignia showcases a multi-piece design crafted from two distinct metals to create a bold visual contrast. The upper section features a prominent brass flaming ordnance bomb adorned with a central laurel wreath that tightly encircles a highly detailed Egyptian Sphinx resting upon a tablet inscribed "EGYPT". Below the main bomb element sits a distinct three-part white metal banner that dramatically steps downward to clearly display the stamped block lettering title "THE LANCASHIRE FUSILIERS". This specific variant includes a hollow reverse configuration resulting from a traditional die-stamping manufacturing process, complete with crisp details on the obverse face intended to stand out on a standard soldier's service dress peak cap or beret. The reverse slider is missing.
Circa: 1898-1958
Notes:
The Lancashire Fusiliers were a British Army infantry regiment whose history stretched back to 1688. Closely associated with Bury, Lancashire, they served in numerous campaigns and both World Wars before becoming part of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers in 1968.
They are famously remembered for “six VCs before breakfast”: six Victoria Crosses awarded for bravery during the 1st Battalion’s landing at W Beach, Gallipoli, on 25 April 1915.
J. R. R. Tolkien, author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, also served with the regiment, fighting with its 11th Battalion on the Somme in 1916.
Sources and further reading: