This elaborate gilt and silver badge was worn on the left side of the feather bonnet and can be clearly seen in the Spooner print (see detail below) of an officer of the 79th in 1833, although the artists Mansion and Eschauzier drew the lower part incorrectly. The gilt thistle was a plume holder for the 8-inch white vulture feather plume. The silver Star of the Order of the Thistle has a gilt overlay displaying the battle honours and motto.
