Anodised Aluminium

Aluminium that has been formed into a badge, colours added and then put through a process which gives a ‘staybright’ appearance meaning the badge requires no cleaning.

Bi Metal 

When both white metal and gilding metal are used on a badge.

Brass  

This is a yellow metal used on badges mainly prior to 1881. This should not be confused with gilding metal which is similar in appearance.

Collar Badge 

A badge that is worn on the collar of the tunic/jacket of the uniform. Usually worn in pairs that face inwards.

Circlet  

A circular metal band usually with the name of the regiment, battalion or title.

Crimp Mark 

A mark left on the vertical shank/slider during the process of it being bent or ‘crimped’ into shape so that it can be soldered onto a badge.

Die Struck 

A badge that has been made by the use of a steel die with an image of the badge on it which is pressed under great force into the brass or gilding metal.

Field Service Cap  

A cap introduced in 1893 with a badge worn on the left hand side of the cap.

Forage Cap 

A cap with a peak.

Foreign Service Helmet 

A helmet introduced for wear in hot countries to protect the soldier’s head from Helmet the sun.

Garter    

A strap using the Garter motto of ‘Honi soit mal y pense’.

Gilding Metal 

A brass which is an alloy of copper and zinc.

Gilt   

A plating of gold spread over the surface of the base metal.

Glengarry  

A cap introduced in 1874 and worn by the rank and file for ‘undress’ use i.e. when full dress was not being worn.

Helmet Plate  

A plate or badge worn on the Home Service Helmet.

Loops  

Copper or brass loops brazed onto the back of badges designed to take a split pin that keep the badge in place on headdress. Also referred to as ‘lugs’.

Maker Marked 

A badge with a maker mark designating the manufacturer of the badge.

Officers Service Dress (OSD)  

A form of khaki dress introduced for Officers in 1902. Subdued badges called OSD badges were worn on the collars and headdress.

Plastic Badge 

A badge made out of cellulose acetic as an economy measure during World War 2.

Puggeree or Pagri 

A piece of cloth worn around the Foreign Service Helmet.

Sand Cast  

A badge made by creating a mould in sand of an original badge and by pouring in molten metal to form a crude copy. Often called ‘Bazzar Made’ as they were often made in the bazzars (or markets) of Asia or the Middle East.

Shoulder Title 

A badge worn on the shoulder strap of the tunic/jacket of the uniform.

Shako Plate  

A plate or badge worn on the Shako headdress.

Strap   

A circlet with a buckle on it.

Sweat Hole  

A hole in the rear of the badge made during the construction of the badge.  These holes were made to allow gasses and excess solder to escape when different parts of the badge were joined/soldered together during the manufacturing process.

Tiger and Rose  

The pattern of badge sealed (approved) in October of 1897 that formed the Pattern basis of all York and Lancaster Regimental badges from this date onwards. It is comprised of the Royal Tiger surrounded with a laurel wreath and a scroll with the words ‘York and Lancaster’ all surmounted by a Union Rose.

Vertical Shank or Slider 

A narrow strip of metal brazed or soldered onto the back of a badge designed to slide into a hole in the headdress to keep the badge in place.

White Metal  

A light coloured alloy metal.