British India: 2nd Punjab (Simla) Volunteer Rifle Corps (1881-1901). Helmet plate

An 'Other Ranks' die stamped 1878 pattern helmet plate, comprising brass crowned star, laurels and central circular strap, 'Punjab Rifle Volunteers' enclosing '2', with two applied scrolls, 'Simla' above and below - the units motto 'In Defence'

The badge complete with reverse loop fittings as issued

The origins of the 2nd Punjab (Simla) Volunteer Rifle Corps date back to the original raising of the unit on 2 May 1861. In 1904 the unit was renamed the Simla Volunteer Rifles. On 1 April 1917 they became the 4th Simla Rifles then in 1920 they were re-designated Simla Rifles. A number of cadet units were attached to the Simla Rifles

Simla, located in the Himalaya foothills, annually became the 'Summer Capital' of the British Raj, at which time the offices - and civil servants - of government migrated for several months during the 'Hot Weather' on the plains

A similar badge - albeit described as 'blackened brass' - is held in the the Field Marshal John Chapple Collection held by The National Army Museum, see below link:

https://collection.nam.ac.uk/detail.php?acc=2013-10-20-84-75

Rare

Condition: GVF

Code: 21337