Manchester Regiment (c. 1881-1884 Pattern) Warrant Officer’s Cap Badge, Original

A rare and original early pattern Warrant Officer’s cap badge of the Manchester Regiment, dating from circa 1881 to 1884.
This die-struck bimetal badge design was introduced after the 1881 Childers Reforms, incorporating elements from both the 63rd (West Suffolk) and 96th Regiments of Foot. Central to the design is the Sphinx in white metal with a brass scroll below reading “The Manchester Regt”. This pattern was worn exclusively by Warrant Officers and senior NCOs during the regiment’s formative early years before later badge standardisation. The reverse is fitted with original copper lugs, set east-west, consistent with early manufacture.

Condition: Good – the details are still fairly sharp with little wear on the obverse
Dimensions: Approx. 72mm x 49mm

An extremely scarce piece for the advanced collector of Victorian military insignia, early Manchester Regiment badges, and British Army Warrant Officer rank insignia. Ideal for display or historical research.