Clearly European made, this badge (8cm tip of spear to bottom) is almost certainly by Gaunt's of London, in view of the provenance (see below). The crossed rifles would appear to represent a pair of Martini-Henrys, so it's no surprise that, if they were buying Martinis from the British, their military badges were being made in London as well.
It is possible that this is a Cambodian badge. Presumably, either way, the crossed rifles signify that it is an infantry badge.
There are only two lugs on the reverse (one having been broken off) and it is a die-struck piece from blackened gilding metal. Its condition is excellent except for the broken lug.
Prov: from the J.R. Gaunt & Son Ltd. Pattern Book Archive, sold at auction by order of the National Army Museum, London.
If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.
[Militaria : Badges : Thai : 19th Century]
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