Victorian 5th Fusiliers / Northumberland Fusiliers Officers Silver & Gilt Mess Dress Shoulder Badge Ornament

A favourite badge of mine, not immediately one that would be associated with the 5th Northumberland Fusiliers, but this was the badge worn on various forms of shoulder decoration by officers from 1836 until 1898. The grenade is finely struck, and silver plated, now dark toned with traces of old polish with a gilt rose and QVC crown separately mounted. At some point the retaining wires have been removed and replaced with two small loops (east - west) and a stout pin and plate for a C clasp has been added. Gilt still reasonable bright. Slightly twisted bottom left flame tip otherwise in very good condition. Gilt still reasonable bright. This one is 43mm wide and 58mm tall. They are found in a variety of sizes typically in this range. Worn on the gold crow's foot shoulder cords of the Mess Dress Jacket, and on its predecessor the Shell Jacket, 1840s to 1860s. A lovely delicate badge in good condition for age.

Col D R Wood No 270B refers (final photo shows the badge against the relevant illustration in this book).

Comm DaMc (34)

Code: 65427