The Manchester Regiment Fleur-de-lis Cap Badge

Material: Gilt brass
Size: 35 mm w × 40mm h
Description: This original Other Ranks' British military cap badge is die-struck from a single thick piece of brass or gilding metal alloy. The entire structure is formed as a solid, un-voided fleur-de-lis, displaying elegant out-curved side petals that loop down into tightly scrolled tips and a broad central petal accented by a defined vertical center ridge. A double-lined horizontal compression bar pinches the center of the lily, creating a clean, balanced geometry that has naturally oxidized to a beautiful dark golden-brown patina. The reverse features a hollow-back design showing a portion of an unmarked brass vertical mounting slider bar peeking from beneath the lower stalk tip.
Circa: 1923 – 1946
Notes:
This simple brass fleur-de-lis represents a highly celebrated turnaround in the insignia history of the Manchester Regiment. From 1881 to 1923, the unit wore a highly complex white-metal version of the Arms of the City of Manchester, which was deeply unpopular with frontline troops who disparagingly nicknamed it the "tram conductor's badge". Seeking a proud, historic change, the War Office officially authorized this minimalist brass fleur-de-lis in 1923 to honor the 63rd Regiment of Foot (which merged into the Manchesters in 1881) and their capture of Guadeloupe from the French in 1759.