
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.
The pre 1881 badge can be seen here. Image kindly contributed by Ron Marsden.