*British, WW2 Era - King George VI, Silver London Irish Rifles Officer’s Caubeen Badge, 18th (County of London) Battalion*
A silver officer’s Caubeen badge of the 18th (County of London) Battalion, The London Irish Rifles, featuring the traditional crowned Harp of Erin surmounted by a King’s Crown. The harp is finely detailed with decorative Celtic-style ornamentation to the frame and strings, representing the Irish heritage of the regiment.
This example is marked “SILVER” on the reverse, indicating a private-purchase officer’s badge rather than the standard brass or white-metal examples issued to other ranks. The reverse retains its two tall vertical lugs, positioned at the top and bottom, designed to secure the badge through the cloth of the Caubeen, the distinctive Irish rifle regiment headdress traditionally worn with a green hackle plume.
Approx. Measurements – Height: 4.7 cm. Width: 2.3 cm.
History Note:
The London Irish Rifles were formed in 1908 as the 18th (County of London) Battalion, London Regiment, a Territorial unit composed largely of Irishmen living in London. The regiment served with distinction in the First World War, particularly on the Western Front, and continued service through the inter-war and Second World War periods.
The crowned harp badge derives from the long-standing symbol of Ireland known as the Harp of Erin, representing Irish identity and heritage within the British Army. The presence of the King’s Crown (Tudor Crown) places this particular example within the King George VI period, 1937–1952, before the introduction of the Queen’s Crown following the accession of Queen Elizabeth II.
Silver-marked examples such as this were typically privately purchased by officers, making them scarcer and more desirable to collectors than standard issue brass or white-metal badges.
*Condition*Good original condition with natural age patina and light service wear. The “SILVER” mark remains clearly visible on the reverse. Both original tall attachment lugs are intact. Minor surface wear and slight verdigris consistent with age.Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
