Material: Bi-metal
Size: 55mm w × 45mm h
Description: This military artifact is an original bi-metal other ranks' cap badge issued to The West Yorkshire Regiment (The Prince of Wales's Own). The upper component features a sharply struck white-metal galloping horse positioned on a textured horizontal ground plot representing the historic White Horse of Hanover. This silver-toned top assembly is brazed securely onto a sturdy brass vertical support slider that anchors the entire piece from behind. Sweeping beneath the horse is an elegant, multi-scrolled brass banner deeply embossed with the prominent raised lettering "WEST YORKSHIRE" following the curvature of the frame.
Reverse: Plain with vertical brass slider; no maker’s mark.
Circa: 1892-1958
Notes:
This specific bi-metal configuration is one of the most long-lived and iconic shapes in British infantry history, remaining virtually unchanged through the Second Boer War, World War I, and World War II. The regiment proudly wore this emblem on their service dress caps, slouch hats, and later berets until they merged with the East Yorkshire Regiment in 1958 to form the Prince of Wales's Own Regiment of Yorkshire.
The central White Horse of Hanover motif is a direct heraldic link to King George I, who granted the symbol to the regiment in 1714 as a reward for their loyal service during the early Jacobite uprisings. This distinctive galloping horse layout prevents collectors from confusing it with the King's Own Royal Regiment, which instead utilizes a static, standing lion motif on their insignia.