The upper photo shows the collar of a major’s doublet from 1881 to 1887. The gold lace is a wave pattern that was replaced by the Thistle design after 1887. The embroidered castle badges are of an earlier pattern and differ from the later officers’ collar badges. The coiled Russia braid was worn by majors and lieutenant-colonels. The button still bears “25” and a crown even though the regimental number had officially been removed from the title.
The lower photo dates from after 1907, in which year the epaulettes matched the collar and cuffs in the facing colour. The blue collar has a line of white braid along the base and a brass badge on each side. The epaulette carries a brass KOSB and a small brass button. The large button is the universal Royal Arms pattern rather than a regimental design.
The image is reproduced by kind permission from Badges and Insignia of The King’s Own Scottish Borderers by Hiram Dunn.
