This detail is from a group photo taken after the presentation of new Colours to the 2nd Battalion King’s Own Borderers in Holyrood Park, Edinburgh on 25 April 1863. The Second Battalion had been raised in December 1859 and sailed to Ceylon in July 1863. The full photo can be seen at Senior NCO Group 1863.
The Regimental Colour is blurred in this reproduction but is little different from the Colour of 1832. The regiment had not earned any more battle honours since EGMONT-OP-ZEE authorised in 1820. The next honour would be for Afghanistan in 1880.
The Colour is blue, and as from 1855 was authorised to measure 6ft flying by 5ft 6ins on the pike. The Colour Sergeant holds the Colour partially rolled on the pike so the full length cannot be seen. Despite being partially rolled, the Colour looks smaller than those dimensions. In 1868 the dimensions were reduced to 3ft 9ins by 3ft. Also in 1868 the spear head on the pike was replaced by a gilt Royal Crest. This photo appears to show the Royal Crest rather than a spear head.
