Material: Gilding metal and white metal (bi-metal construction)
Dimensions: 28 mm W × 38 mm H
Description: This artifact is an original officer's pattern collar badge from the Worcestershire Regiment of the British Army. The design is beautifully executed in two-piece construction, combining a gilded brass multi-rayed Garter star with a centered white-metal heraldic lion. Encircling the central lion is a gilded ring inscribed with the ancient Order of the Garter motto, "HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE," which translates from Old Anglo-Norman to "Shame on him who thinks evil of it". Positioned right beneath the buckle loop on the bottom vertical ray is a small gilded tablet bearing the regiment's legendary, singular motto, "FIRM". The reverse side is unmarked, housing its original dual attachment lugs and an interlocking split fastening pin.
Circa: 1881-1970
Notes:
The proud motto "FIRM" was natively inherited from the predecessor 36th Regiment of Foot, who were famously granted the distinction for their steadfast discipline during the 1773 Battle of Hastenbeck. While rank-and-file soldiers wore a full-sized cap badge that featured an additional decorative "Worcestershire" title scroll along the bottom base, this streamlined, tighter variation was tailored specifically for officers to wear on their service dress jacket collars. The intricate eight-pointed Garter star design holds a deep historical connection to the Coldstream Guards, honoring an era when the regiments shared close tactical commands.