Indian Army - 25th Bombay Light Infantry Officer's Gilt and Silver Plated Pagri Badge, c1885 - 1889 only

A simply stunning pagri badge, with original and functional pin fittings, and original red velvet cloth backing (some slight stressing to this between the numerals otherwise in remarkable condition for age). Circa 71mm tall and 60mm wide. The title on the scroll is "Bombay Light Infantry" - the title "Native" was dropped in 1885 and they dropped "Light" from their title in 1889. The conclusion therefore is this was worn in a relatively short timeframe, between those dates. Later the 125th Napier's Rifles. Rare.

The 125th Napier's Rifles was originally raised as the 1st Extra Battalion Bombay Native Infantry in 1820. In 1826 it became the 25th Regiment of Bombay Native Infantry, serving under General Sir Charles James Napier in the Sind in 1843. In 1858 the regiment was renamed the 25th Regiment of Bombay Native (Light) Infantry. The term 'Native' was dropped from the title in 1885 and in 1889 the unit was renamed as the 25th Regiment (3rd Battalion Rifle Regiment) of Bombay Infantry. Reform of the Indian Army led to the regiment being renamed the 25th Bombay Rifles in 1901 and 125th Napier's Rifles in 1903. The Regiment served on the Western Front and in the Middle East during World War One (1914-1918). In 1922 the regiment was amalgamated and became the 5th (Napier's) Battalion of the 6th Rajputana Rifles.

Please note I will only post this item to a UK address.

Comm BoHa (420)

Code: 67734