Pipers' Brooch pre-1881

The silver plaid brooches of the 42nd Black Watch all follow a similar pattern in having the figure of St Andrew and his cross in the middle of a ring of thistles surrounded by burnished silver. Officer's and pipers had similar patterns although this one differs in that it has the motto on a garter on the inside edge, and the Sphinx on a spray of laurel at the top.
This plaid brooch clearly shows the 42nd designation making it a pre-1881 badge when the name of the regiment was changed to the Black Watch. The post 1881 badge can be seen here Image kindly contributed by Ron Marsden.

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