Helmet badge, 46th Punjabis, 1903-1922

White metal badge in the form of a quoit surmounted by an Imperial Crown, with crossed Khyber knives (choora) with the regimental number, '46', on a solid ground between the blades, and a crescent below inscribed with the title, 'Punjabis'.

Quoits, or chakram, are a traditional edged weapon from the Indian subcontinent, particularly associated with Sikh fighters. They take the form of a flattened metal ring of varying circumference, with a sharpened outer edge, which can be thrown or used in hand-to-hand combat.

The 46th (Punjab) Regiment of Bengal Infantry was raised in 1900. With reform of the Indian Army in 1901 it became the 46th Punjab Infantry and in 1903, the 46th Punjabis. The regiment served on the North West Frontier and in Egypt during World War One (1914-1918). In 1922 the regiment was amalgamated and formed the 10th (Training) Battalion of the 16th Punjab Regiment. During World War Two (1939-1945) the 10th Battalion became the 16th Punjab Regimental Centre.

From the Field Marshal Sir John Chapple Indian Army Collection.