The subject of collar badges is complex but this composite photo illustrates some of the different designs worn by officers and men of the King’s Regiment, on both the dress tunics and the undress frocks. The rose design was the first pattern worn, mentioned in the 1883 and 1891 dress regulations for officers as the Rose of Lancaster in gilt and red enamel with the title Kings in Old English on a separate gilt scroll below. The top row shows officer’s badges, but the scroll is attached to the rose and the enamel includes green leaves.
The second row shows both white metal and brass versions of the other ranks’ badges. The White Horse collar badges were adopted at some time in the 1890s. They are mentioned in the 1900 Dress Regulations for officers. The third row shows the first pattern and the bottom row includes three of the later pattern with the horse on a silver ground and one front leg touching the scroll.
