WW1 British BEF 1st and 2nd Life Guards Cap Badge

The WW1 British BEF 1st and 2nd Life Guards Cap Badge represents the cap insignia worn by members of the 1st and 2nd Life Guards regiments during World War I. These regiments formed part of the Household Cavalry, serving within the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) on the Western Front. The badge typically features the Royal Cypher surmounted by a crown, with a cross of St. George behind, combining elements associated with both regiments before their amalgamation in 1922. Made from brass or gilding metal, the badge was usually fitted with lugs or a slider for attachment to the service cap. Items like this were issued to denote regimental identity and facilitate unit recognition. Original pieces reflect the standards of British military insignia from the early 20th century and provide insight into the insignia traditions of elite cavalry regiments during the First World War.