TOPIC:

The variation in the quality and thickness of the brass used for these badges is noteworthy, as is the vast array of fixing loops and pins. It seems that some of the flimsiest examples would have been quite unsuitable for service wear, and I have wondered whether these might have been made as patriotic emblems rather than military badges. I have an example (Owen #2006) that has been painted and attached to a vyfkleur sash, suggesting this could well have been the case. However, the sash and badge could equally well have been put together by a returning British soldier.

MC Heunis believes the differing qualities could simply have been down to supplier:

I am not sure about the ZAR, but I know for a fact the OVS ordered badges and die-stamp dies for the badges from Germany. The quality of badges would therefore have differed depending on who made them (German supplier or locally) and with what thickness/quality plate. This may also explain the vast variety of fixing lugs and pins. As with any die, the quality would have gotten worse as the die(s) wore out.

Invoices for the OVS dies, which were supplied by C.F. Wulfert of Berlin, have survived. One, dated 1 March 1890, lists “1 Stahlstempel zu den Mützenabzeichen” [1 Steel die for cap insignia], and a second, dated 12 October 1890, “1 Stahlstempel zum Wappen” [1 Steel die for coat of arms badge].




















A few of the various types of fixings found on the backs of O.V. Artillerie badges (all, apart from top right, Owen #2062). The bottom left example has lost its lower loop (arrowed). It is not entirely clear what the hook-and-loop fastenings were for. It seems they were probably intended for use with slouch hats, the hook holding the brim up by attaching it to the crown, though I am unaware of any photographs of O.V.S. badges being used in this way.










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This photograph of Luitenant Otto Augenstein, OVSAC, shows a badge similar to Owen #2062 (see above) being worn on a slouch hat. The position of the badge, in the middle of the upturned brim, indicates this is of the two-lug variety. A hook-and-loop badge would need to be on the top edge to enable attachment to the crown.



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The ceremonial dress of the officers of ZAR Staats Artillerie comprised a black polished-leather belt which was worn over the left shoulder. The belt was decorated with gilt studs and a lion’s head with chain, whistle and keeper. (a keeper, also known as a belt loop or loop keeper, is a small loop of material, usually the same material as the belt, that holds the free end of the belt in place after it has been passed through the buckle. It helps prevent the belt from sliding or rotating, ensuring your equipment and the belt stay securely in place.)

How it looked in situ.


Below detailed pictures of the magnificent lion’s head as was worn by Kolonel Trichard on his ceremonial belt. The item consists of two die-stamped parts (largest plate with a diameter of 5 cm), a brass ring and two screws and a counter-plate. For anyone in possession of a spare chain and whistle, my birthday is on October 26.








Source: Military History Journal, Vol 9 No 4 of December 1994
Black & white photo credit: SA National Museum of Military History

Fantastic.

The challenge is ensuring that the Trichard provenance remains intact going forwards.

This is the unattributed example on display at Bloemfontein Museum.



The Anglo-Boer War in 100 Objects, 2017, p. 99. Courtesy of the Museum of the Dutch Republics.

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Everhard,

Here is a cabinet photograph of Trichard as luitenant-kolonel (two silver stars on a gold braided Prussian collar), presumably wearing the lion's head boss pouch-belt fitting that you have in your collection.




On commando, unlike many of his fellow-officers, he ditched his Staatsartillerie uniform in favour of top hat and morning coat. This photograph shows him with is his son and a group of artillerists under his command.



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Here's Lt (later Maj.) Johannes Lodewyk ("Lood") Pretorius, with the same cross belt arrangement. He was one of the Staatsartillerie "aces"in Natal.
If anyone has a hi-res version of these, or other photos of Lood, please get in touch!
thanks, Rob