Canada, Dominion. A 2nd Regiment, Queen's Own Rifles of Canada Helmet Plate with Guelphic Crown, c.1870

Three-piece construction, centrepiece in patinated bronze and bearing the number "2" surrounded by the inscription "QUEEN'S OWN RIFLES OF CANADA", mounted to a base in die-stamped patinated bronze and illustrating a Maltese Cross surrounded by a wreath of maple leaves and surmounted by a Guelphic crown, with red paint on the four arms of the cross, unmarked, voided, ruby red felt backer placed in the voided area behind the cross, measuring 80 mm (w) x 94.5 mm (h), all four screwposts intact, accompanying support plate in patinated bronze, chipping and crazing evident in the red paint along with scattered patination loss on the cross, residue from cleaning present around the lettering and the number "2" on the centrepiece, better than very fine.

Footnote: The 2nd Battalion, Volunteer Militia Rifles of Canada was formed on April 26, 1860, predating the Confederation of Canada. It was re-designated as the Second Battalion Volunteer Militia Rifles of Canada or Queen's Own Rifles of Toronto on March 18, 1863. It was re-named as 2nd Battalion, Queen's Own Rifles of Canada on January 13, 1882. The design of this badge is illustrated on page 62 of "Canadian Militia Badges Pre 1914" by Daniel Mazeas (SBP.77.).