Material: Brass
Size: 42mm (width) × 13mm (height)
Description: This metal uniform shoulder title insignia is struck from a thick sheet of brass alloy. The layout features the large, stylized capital letters "K.A.R." arranged in a straight, horizontal bar formation with stylized rectangular alignment bars bridging the lower letter spaces. The face displays a darker finish that has worn slightly along the raised edges to reveal the warm, golden brass metal base composition beneath. The completely unmarked reverse side is fitted with a pair of solid, brass wire loop fasteners designed to accept a standard split cotter pin through the uniform fabric.
Circa: Early to Mid 20th Century
Notes:
Worn by other ranks of the King’s African Rifles, a British colonial regiment formed in 1902 and recruited from East African territories including Kenya, Uganda, Nyasaland (Malawi), and Tanganyika. The regiment saw extensive service in the East African campaign of the First World War and throughout the African and Burma theatres during WWII. This brass “K.A.R.” title is one of several regional variations, with framed examples often associated with interwar or early WWII issues.
The specialized blackened or chemically darkened finish on this insignia was purposefully applied to reduce glare and preserve camouflage during tactical field operations in dense African brush territory.