A beautiful black lambskin busby with top covered in dark green/black felt, the front features a blackened silver cap badge presenting a maple leaf with a central 2 on red felt, surrounded by the crowned inscription QUEEN’S OWN RIFLES OF CANADA, with the motto INPAC PARATUS below, measuring 55mm (w) x 60.7mm (h), light wear and oxidation to the silver, above the cap badge sits an oval black and red cord cockade with a silver Edwardian crown on the center, measures 42mm (w) x 52mm (h), a black cord encircles the cap sitting below the stem of the cap badge and rising along the side to present a knot on the hook with small eight point star on each side, meeting on the reverse in a not below the lion head, on each side near the bottom edge sits a silver rose with hook, a silvered chain relieved with scarlet Morocco leather and lined with black velvet attaches at the reverse to the lions mouth, a small brass slot is present on the top of the cap behind the oval cockade for the plume, the interior presents a thick leather strap around the edge with burgundy silk gathered inside, with marks mark reading HOBSON & SONS ARMY CONTRACTOR CAP & ACCOUTREMENTS MAKERS 1. 3. +5. LEXINGTON ST. GOLDEN SQUARE on the burgundy silk interior, the cap measures 170mm (w – across base) x 220 mm (l – across base) x 180mm (h – base to highest peak), areas of wear to lambskin, silver presents oxidation, small tear in interior silk for cap badge reverse, tear in leather seam, in overall very fine condition.
The plume presents a bronze pin featuring long black goat’s hair, cut square at the top, contained by brass ring, the base presents small scarlet feathers below contained by a metal plume holder showing feather-like details and large brass ball, measures 380mm in length from tip of hair to base of brass pin, and 270mm in length from tip of hair to base of brass ball, plumage intact, minor wear, in extremely fine condition. Contained in an early 20th century large metal hatbox, with a large domed lid to protect the busby, one slot latch on the side with hinge directly opposite, a metal handle on top, the interior presents a recently painted green lid and bright yellow base, measures 330mm (w) x 400mm (l) x 255mm (h – base to top of domed lid), wear to exterior including small dents and discolouration, remains in near very fine condition. Footnote: The Queen’s Own Rifles was established on April 26, 1860 and is Canada’s longest serving regiment. The QOR has taken part in every Canadian military campaign. As the first to be equipped with a ‘rifled’ weapon, the Queen’s Own Rifles were known for moving at a doubling pace, and their dress was more focused on camouflage instead of ostentatious colours. Their first active service commenced on Christmas eve, 1864, in connection with the Fenian Raids. The regiment was the first corps to be called upon during the North-West Rebellion in 1885 and is well remembered for the famous battle of Cut Knife Hill. Hobson & Sons was established in 1850 in South London, England. By 1860, five shops had been opened in and around the Woolwich area. The Lexington Street London location was established around 1880. Here, gold and silver wire embroidery took place, and in the basement, the leather accoutrement department produced specialist goods of all varieties. By the turn of the century, the factory and offices were stationed on Tooley Street between the London Bridge and Tower Bridge. The company produced goods for both wars and is still active today. July 1877, the smart rifle busby was adopted as the full dress head dress of the regiment. By November, the Busbys were received from England and issued to the Regiment. The 1894 Dress Regiments are as follows: Busby: Black lambskin, 5 inches high in front and 7 ½ inches at the back; the top 6 ½ inches long and 6 inches wide, covered with rifle green cloth; at the top, in front; an oval black silk cord cockade, relieved with scarlet, 2 inches deep and 1 ½ inches wide, with small bronze crown in centre; bronze chain ½ inch wide, on scarlet morocco leather, and lined with black velvet, with bronze rose fastenings at the sides, and a hook at the top, on the right. The Regimental Badge, bronze, with silver numeral, to be worn in front, point of stem 1 inch above the lower edge. Plume:Black goat’s hair, 6 inches high from the top of the Busby, with small scarlet feathers at the bottom, an inch high from the top of the bronze socket.