A scarce original pair of cast gilding metal collar badges worn by the 2nd Battalion, King’s African Rifles (KAR), representing Nyasaland (modern-day Malawi), and featuring the King’s Crown. These badges date from the colonial period, most likely the First to Second World War era, when the KAR formed a key part of Britain’s military presence in East and Central Africa. Each badge is cast in brass and features a bugle with knotted strings and a “2” in the centre, above which sits the King’s (Imperial) Crown, with a scroll beneath typically reading “King’s African Rifles”. These were worn on the tunics of African and British personnel serving with the regiment in campaigns such as the East African Campaign of WWI, interwar policing operations, and WWII service. Cast badges like these were locally made in theatre, often in Nyasaland or Kenya, using sand-casting methods.
This pair is fitted with original integral lugs to the reverse, though variation in placement and finish is common due to local manufacture.
Condition: Very Good
Dimensions (Each): Approx. 27mm x 24mm
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