Indian Army 8th King George's Own Light Cavalry horse boss

Indian Army 8th King George's Own Light Cavalry horse boss

A cavalry horse boss with the regimental badge of the 8th King George's Own Light Cavalry mounted on a white metal disc, approximately 50mm across. Horse bosses were worn on the bridle at the side of the horse's head, particularly for ceremonial occasions.

The badge shows crossed lances with pennons, the numeral 8, a laurel wreath and the King's crown, above a scroll reading "King George's Own". The regiment was formed in 1922 by the amalgamation of the 26th King George's Own Light Cavalry and the 30th Lancers (Gordon's Horse). It was renamed 8th King George V's Own Light Cavalry in 1937, and the scroll wording here matches the earlier title. The 8th was one of the last fully horsed regiments in the Indian cavalry and was mechanised in the early 1940s.

The reverse has four fixings securing the badge and a white metal strap loop. Wear and toning consistent with age and use.