This field covers, in the main, headdress badges of many different parts of the world, but also includes cross-belt plates, etc. An interesting example is the parallel existence of regimental badges for the British and Austrian armies, fighting on opposing sides in WW1, something unique to these two countries. Good reference books include: Kipling & King's two volumes on headdress badges of the British Army; John Gaylor's book on cap badges of the British Army; Ashok Nath's book, Izzat: Historical Records and Iconography of Indian Cavalry Regiments 1750-2007 (published 2009 by the Centre for Armed Forces Historical Research United Service Institution of India), a superb rendering of this extremely complex subject, beautifully illustrated. Ashok Nath's website is at: http://sites.google.com/site/anath53/home

These were sold to raise money for the displaced mountain people of Tyrol and the Dolomites, who became refugees due to the war with Italy, hence the Latin inscription 'Pro fugis auxilium' round the edge with a Tyrol eagle at the top and two small edelweiss on each side, with 1914-1916 between, and the central die-struck image of the Dolomites.

This was worn on the Home Service helmet, constructed from cork, and, in this case, covered with grey cloth. The crowned portcullis device in the centre is from the arms of the City of Westminster. The QWR, founded in 1860, served with great distinction all through the 20th century's wars.

Mr D J Knight has kindly enlightened me about this badge (which might also be an other ranks pouch badge, though I think it is too big)! The company was raised in 1861 and disbanded in 1866. The dress version has a similar design in embroidery. This badge measures 4 1/8 x 3 1/2 inches.

The Sussex Yeomanry was one of the British county volunteer cavalry units, raised in the late 18th century. They amalgamated with the Surrey Yeomanry after WW1 and fielded two artillery batteries between them. This badge dates from the early 20th century, being later superceded by a badge with a title on a scroll underneath.

This medal commemorates the summer of 1914, when Austria and Germany went to war against the world. It measures 17mm across. Beneath the image of the two emperors, Kaiser Bill and Kaiser Franz-Josef, there is the inscription 'viribus-unitis [with combined forces] // 1914'. Viribus-unitis was also the name of the famous Austrian battleship.

This medal commemorates the summer of 1914, when Austria and Germany went to war against the world. It measures 26mm across. Beneath the image of the two emperors, Kaiser Bill and Kaiser Franz-Josef, there is the inscription 'viribus-unitis [with combined forces] // 1914'. Viribus-unitis was also the name of the famous Austrian battleship.

This medal commemorates the summer of 1914, when Austria and Germany went to war against the world. It measures 25mm across. Beneath the image of the two emperors, Kaiser Bill and Kaiser Franz-Josef, there is the inscription 'viribus-unitis [with combined forces] // 1914'. Viribus-unitis was also the name of the famous Austrian battleship.

This design, introduced in 1896, mirrors the issue badge, but in a silver as opposed to white brass finish. The crown is the king's pattern, hence the dating, although these officer's badges were produced up to 1940 or so.

This nicely made enamelled badge would have been given to all the railway personnel attending the congress which was held in Rome in April 1922. It is almost certainly of die-struck silver (unmarked). The central motif is a splendid eagle with the coat of arms of the house of Savoy on its breast in white and red enamel.

These were distributed in Austria to raise money for the widows and orphans of those who fell at the Battle of Bukowiner in 1916. The central figure is a nurse. There is a Viennese maker's mark on the reverse.