This silver badge was listed in a Bosley auction catalogue, several years ago, as being an ‘Officer’s Light Company shako plate circa 1812’. But there is no explanation as to why it was worn only by the Light Company. There is no indication of size or that it is curved to follow the shape of the shako. The Goddard & Booth print depicts an officer of the IX Regiment wearing a silver Britannia badge on his shako, although he is identified as a Battalion Company officer by his red and white shako plume.
This depiction of Britannia is a variation from the other contemporary figures. She has a helmet with ostrich feathers rather than the Greco-Roman brush-type crest. She sits on a rocky island surrounded by either the sea or grass with a few out-sized oak leaves. The laurel she holds is a sturdy branch.
