Material: White metal and brass (bi-metal construction)
Size: 47mm w × 42mm h
Description: This artifact is an original British military regimental cap badge for the Royal Scots Greys (2nd Dragoons). It features a distinctive bi-metal design. The upper portion is composed of die-struck white metal shaped into a French Imperial Eagle with outstretched wings and finely feathered plumage. A classic laurel wreath of victory wraps around the eagle's neck. The eagle stands directly upon a rectangular white metal plinth bearing the raised inscription "WATERLOO". Anchoring the base of the insignia is a gilded brass or gilding metal scroll that curves upward on both flanks, crisply embossed with the regiment's title "ROYAL SCOTS GREYS". The reverse is configured with a pair of original copper mounting lugs alongside a traditional split cotter pin designed to lock the badge firmly onto a woolen headdress.
Circa: 20th Century
Notes:
The eagle featured on this badge is not a generic standard, but a highly specific historical trophy of war. It represents the famed French Imperial Eagle of the 45th Regiment of Line Infantry, which was captured by Sergeant Charles Ewart of the Royal Scots Greys during a pivotal, thundering cavalry charge at the Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 1815. To forever honor this massive feat, the regiment abandoned its previous crown and thistle motifs to adopt the eagle as its permanent insignia.