East Surrey Regiment (c. 1894-1903 Pattern) Officer’s Collar Badge

An original and scarce officer’s collar badge of the East Surrey Regiment, dating from the late Victorian period, circa 1894 to 1903.
This finely detailed badge, intended for officers’ service or frock uniform, is struck in silver-plated brass or bronze and features the regimental arms of Guildford Castle on a rated star. Surmounting the design is the Imperial Crown (VR), signifying production during the reign of Queen Victoria.

The badge is fitted to the reverse with original copper lugs (east-west), as typical of 19th-century officers’ insignia. This pattern pre-dates the 1903 introduction of the King’s Crown and represents a short-lived transitional design worn during the regiment’s early identity following the Childers Reforms.

The East Surrey Regiment, formed in 1881, served in several notable late Victorian campaigns, including in India and South Africa during the Second Boer War.

Condition: Good; most of the gilt has worn away
Dimensions: Approx. 31mm x 30mm