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Picture courtesy of Spink

QSA (4) Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901 (22296 Tpr: F. Gargate. C. in C. Bdy: Gd:)

Fred Gargate served during the Boer War with the Commander in Chiefs Body Guard and was issued with his Medal and 4 clasps on 30 October 1906.

From the next Mowbray Collectables auction in NZ.

QSA (3) Cape Colony, Orange Free State, & Transvaal, (22327 TPR. R. W. COCKBAIN. C. IN C. BDY: GD.)

Described as:

Robert White Cockbain bn UK 1873, died South Africa 1908, C-in-C Lord Kitchener’s Body Guard was an elite small group undertaking difficult operations at Kitchener's direct instigation

Tylden says they were 100 strong in January 1900 when they were first raised, then 570 in November 1900 and, finally, 1,000 men.

Robert attested during the November 1900 expansion. His attestation paper is dated 27 November 1900. Aged 27, he was a British miner. NOK: wife, Gladstone Cottage, Frizlngton, Cumberland.

QSA issued 30 October 1906 (WO100/243p24). Clasps confirmed.

He also served in the JMR (22327 Trooper). SA01 from the JMR (WO100/253p184).

Described as a good quality sheet brass trooper’s hat badge QVC over a square, this with an applied large ‘R’ (Lord Roberts) on a circle ‘Commander in Chief’s Bodyguard. D.T.L.’, to the sides ‘SAFF’ and at the base ‘1900’ with motto scroll below ‘Spes Bona’, original brass loop fasteners

This is very similar to the image posted by Brett at the very beginning of this thread.

Sold by DNW in 2020 for £160.

'DTL' are the initials for the officer who raised the Body Guard, Major Laing.

Here is a good example of the shoulder title for the C-I-C Bodyguard, of brass construction, theatre made and with both lugs to the reverse still present and undamaged.
Many examples are found to be bent or twisted.

I have also seen two examples of the slouch hat badge design which were made of sterling silver with a fastening pin to the reverse.
There are two possibilities for the actual purpose and origin of this very scarce badge.
Firstly, that they were issued to the original chosen men of the Bodyguard which would limit the number issued to below one hundred.
Secondly, that they were sweetheart badges.
Either way, a very elusive item for the collector. And still very much on my wanted list!

Is anyone out there lucky enough to have one in their collection?

Or have a definite answer for their original use?