First Life Guards Cap Badge – 1910–1922 Pattern, Original
An original and scarce cap badge of the 1st Life Guards, worn between 1910 and 1922, before the regiment’s amalgamation with the 2nd Life Guards to form The Life Guards.
This impressive bronzed badge features the ornate Royal Cypher “GRV” (for King George V) surmounted by the King’s Crown (Tudor Crown), set above a circlet inscribed “1st Life Guards”.
The reverse retains its original brass slider, correct for this period and style. This badge was worn by the 1st Life Guards during the reign of George V, including throughout World War I, in which the regiment served as part of the Household Cavalry.
This pattern ceased to be worn after the 1922 reorganisation, making surviving examples particularly desirable to collectors of elite cavalry insignia.
Condition: Very Good – some light wear and the slider has been broken short, probably during its working life
Dimensions: Approx. 42mm x 26mm
Ref: John Gaylor Page 8, Plate 1-A, Kipling and King Page 208, Plate 729.
