Badges of the King's Liverpool Regiment (1882-1925)

The King’s (Liverpool Regiment), one of the British Army’s oldest line infantry regiments, underwent a series of changes in insignia during the late Victorian and Edwardian periods. From the Childers Reforms of 1881 until its reorganisation in 1925, the regiment’s badges reflected both continuity of tradition and the evolution of military heraldry. Distinctive designs incorporating the White Horse of Hanover, the King’s title scrolls, and regimental devices made these badges important identifiers for soldiers and remain highly sought after by collectors today.

1. Officers & W.O’s Forage cap badge, gilt and silver, 1882–1903.

2. Rank & file glengarry cap badge, 1882–95.

3. Forage cap badge, 1900–25.

4. Forage cap badge, 1925 (This badge was worn by the Battalion on Foreign Service in Cap and on Helmet from 1903–25, but without authority, i.e., unofficially.)

5. Officers collar badge, gilt, red & green enamel, 1882–1895.

6. Rank & file collar badge, gilding metal, 1882–1895.

7. Officers collar badge, silver and gilt, 1895–1925.

8. Rank & file collar badge, w/metal & g/metal 1895–1925.

9. Rank & file collar badge, 1925 onward.

10. Officers collar badge, silver & gilt, about 1900–14, unofficial.

Note – The collar badge authorised in 1925 for Officers is similar to No. 10, but the title “King’s” on scroll is in Old English lettering.

11. Title worn in South African War, 1899–1902.

12. Another type worn same period.

13. Title in Old English, 1903–07.

14. Title worn 1907.

15. Small numeral worn by Militia.

Note – The above were worn by Regular & Militia Battalions.

The 5th & 8th Bns. The King’s (T.A.) also wear items 3 & 9; and in the old Volunteer days wore items 1, 2, 5, 6 & 7, but made in white metal.