This silver badge belonged to Captain Alexander Samuells, who was second-in-command of the 32nd Punjab Pioneers during the 2nd Afghan War of 1878–80. Other ranks wore a brass version of this pattern, but officers had silver. The badge is topped with a Victorian crown and crossed axes. The title on the garter reads PUNJAB PIONEERS. Although they were a Sikh regiment, they were not officially designated Sikh Pioneers until 1903.
At this time, in 1880, the regiment held two battle honours for their service in the Indian Mutiny: DELHI and LUCKNOW. ‘Delhi’ appears above the garter and ‘Lucknow’ below, with RELIEF and CAPTURE on either side. The regimental Latin motto is inscribed on the scroll beneath the laurel wreath: AUT VIAM INVENIAM AUT FACIAM (I shall either find a way or make one).
