Identifying Original 19th PWO Hussars Cap Badges: Genuine Variants and Common Reproductions
A detailed guide to identifying original 19th Prince of Wales’s Own (PWO) Hussars cap badges; Queen Alexandra's Own Royal Hussars. Exploring the two known authentic variants and explaining how to distinguish them from the many reproductions found on the market.
The regiment fought during the Boer War (1899-1901). In 1902, the regiment was re-titled the 19th (Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own) Hussars. When Alexandra, Princess of Wales, became Queen Consort in 1908, the name changed to the 19th (Queen Alexandra's Own Royal) Hussars. The badge was modified with a secondary scroll (type 2).
Type 1 cap badge, variation A fake.
To start, let's review an original type 1 cap badge of the 19th Prince of Wales's Hussars.
This particular badge was previously board mounted for display. It has been lightly modified when mounted. It is however an original, and the features are a proper basis for review against the main batch of fakes often encountered in the market. This particular version was worn from 1898 to 1902 only.
This badge is made of white metal. Width 52 mm, height 42 mm. Two mounts, one at the upper rear leg, and the other adjacent the tusks. Any other variations to this are to be treated with suspicion.
But rather than focus on such ancillary points as the lugs, which forgers can accurately copy themselves (although most do not), let's focus on the stamping itself and the key features of it.
For the purpose of this article, I'll call the above, right, badge the variation A fake. The badge to the left is our reference original.
This type 1, variation A fake, is probably a direct stamped reproduction faithfully reproduced from original dies (also known as a restrike). Only material, machine, and method variations create the unfaithful reproduction.
The tell tale features are not obvious. I have circled some in red. A common theme is that features are forced. Overly pronounced ear, tusk transition, truck end, and eye. The most common feature of most fakes on the obverse side is the tail. Notice the deeper cut on the original.
The same two badges from the reverse side. Note the fake badge's lug positions vis-à-vis our reference original. Typical application of polish to obfuscate poor detailing.
Type 1 cap badge, variation B fake.
The next badge is what I will call the variation B fake. In my opinion, this one is easier to spot. It is generally heavier, punched on to thicker gauge material.
This "Nelly" has a poor posture. It's head hangs lower than the back. Again the tail is not properly in-cut; neither are the tusks. The lettering and numbering fonts are incorrect and weak in appearance.
Lugs on this fake are usually positioned incorrectly. The rear either on the upper rear leg or the main body. The front within the main body. Either way is is a departure from our reference piece.