Edwardian Pattern Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders ( A&SH ) White Metal Cap Badge ( Cat with Tail Up)

The largest cap badge worn in the the British Army, this is die struck white metal with two original lugs to the reverse. Voided centre ( 8 voids) but this is the more unsual pattern where the Sutherland cat has its "tail up". See close up photo. Circa 8cm tall and 6.2cm wide. Some minor service wear to highpoints and slight split in one tip of laurel stem at base of badge. Scarce.

Until about 1908 the centre of the badge was solid, but after this date the central devices were fretted and voided. In the first voided badges, the cat's tail curled up behind in the fashion affected by heraldic lions but some busybody pointed out that comfortable cats did not wave their tails but tucked them quietly around their feet, thereafter subsequent issues did not show the tail (Gaylor p.47 refers).

Code: 54985