Officer's collar badge, 7th Rajputs, 1922-1947

Silver badge, one of a pair, hallmarked 1938, in the form of a katar.

The 7th Rajputs was formed in 1922 by the amalgamation of the 2nd Queen Victoria's Own Rajput Light Infantry, the 4th Prince Albert Victor's Rajputs, the 7th Duke of Connaught's Own Rajputs, the 8th Rajputs, 11th Rajputs and the 16th (Rajputs) The Lucknow Regiment.

Katars are 'push daggers' from the Indian sub-continent. They are usually formed of a triangular blade with an 'H'-shaped hilt. The weapon is designed to pierce using a punching motion rather than to stab. These traditional weapons were popular trophies or souvenirs for British units and soldiers returning home.

From the Field Marshal Sir John Chapple Indian Army Collection.