Artifact Collections

Cape Breton Highlanders

Cap Badges

This section contains images showing the front and reverse of seven different cap badges from the Cape Breton Highlanders. The images depict three different patterns with variations in the make up of the badges. The patterns span from the 1920's to just after World War 2. Inscribed on all patterns is the Gaelic motto "Siol Na Fear Fearail" which translates to "Breed of Manly Men".

The badges were worn on glengarries during militia days prior to World War 2. During World War 2 the badges were worn on glengarries and tam o'shanters.

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Cap Badge

Cape Breton Highlanders

Example 1

First Pattern Badge

This example is the original pattern Cape Breton Highlanders cap badge that was produced in the 1920's. It is a two piece construction of brass and white metal. It is different from second pattern badge in that is has CANADA on the bottom of the crown at the top of the badge, and a belt buckle on the lower portion of the white metal part of the badge. It also has a slider on the reverse instead of two lugs and a cotter pin as seen on later badges.

Ref. Number: 0-7 (1-1)
Image Information: Digital photo of original image
Source: Robert MacLellan Collection

Example 1

Reverse

Cap Badge

Cape Breton Highlanders

Example 2

Second Pattern Badge

This is a standard two piece second pattern badge used throughout World War 2 and into the early 1950's. This example is of brass and white metal construction with two lugs on the reverse. It differs from the first pattern badge in that the CANADA below the crown at the top of the badge, and the belt buckle on the lower portion of the white metal part of the badge, have both been deleted.

Ref. Number:  0-7 (1-2)
Image Information:  Digital photo of original image
Source:  Robert MacLellan Collection

Example 2

Reverse

Cap Badge

Cape Breton Highlanders

Example 3

Second Pattern Badge

This second pattern badge is a two piece construction of what appears to be bronze and white metal with two lugs on the reverse.

Ref. Number:  0-7 (1-3)
Image Information:  Digital photo of original image
Source:  Robert MacLellan Collection

Example 3

Reverse

Cap Badge

Cape Breton Highlanders

Example 4

Second Pattern Badge

This second pattern badge is a two piece construction of brass and white metal with two lugs on the reverse. This badge is different in that the recesses of the white metal portion of the badge are blackened. It doesn't appear to be tarnished silver but possibly a black wash of some sort. It is possible this could be an officer's badge with a field modification to make it more unique.

Ref. Number:  0-7 (1-4)
Image Information:  Digital photo of original image
Source:  Robert MacLellan Collection

Example 4

Reverse

Cap Badge

Cape Breton Highlanders

Example 5

Second Pattern Badge

This second pattern badge is a two piece construction of what appears to be bronze/brass and white metal with two lugs on the reverse. The bronze/brass portion of the badge is a very dark brown.

Ref. Number:  0-7 (1-5)
Image Information:  Digital photo of original image
Source:  Robert MacLellan Collection

Example 5

Reverse

Cap Badge

Cape Breton Highlanders

Example 6

Second Pattern Badge

This second pattern badge is a two piece construction of what appears to be brass and white metal with two lugs on the reverse. The brass portion of the badge has what appears to be a bronze finish giving it a dark brown colour. The bronze finish is wearing off on some of the outer edges exposing the brass underneath. This badge is different in that the reverse is brass with no bronze finish at all.

Ref. Number:  0-7 (1-6)
Image Information:  Digital photo of original image
Source:  Robert MacLellan Collection

Example 6

Reverse

Cap Badge

Cape Breton Highlanders

Example 7

Third Pattern Badge

This is a third pattern badge that is reputed to have been issued in 1949. It appears to be of brass/bronze and white metal construction with two lugs on the back. This is a common badge to find but I have never seen photographic evidence of this pattern badge in wear. It is believed that the second pattern badge continued to be worn after World War 2 right up to the mid 1950's when the Cape Breton Highlanders were redesignated Second Battalion The Nova Scotia Highlanders, at which time the uniform and cap badge changed.

Ref. Number:  0-7 (1-7)
Image Information:  Digital photo of original image
Source:  Robert MacLellan Collection