I have been very fortunate to add a very rare regimental item to my little collection of RCR badges. As with any collectible item, its rarity can be estimates from the length of time since it was in use and the numbers that likely existed at the time.
The
badges of the Canadian Infantry School Corps (CISC) were worn between the Regiment's creation in 1883 as the CISC until 1894 when
new badges for the Regiment were authorized following the change of title to The Royal Regiment of Canadian Infantry ( which occurred 24 May 1893). During that period of 1883 - 1894, the Regiment existed as four dispersed companies in Fredericton, St Jean, Toronto and (from 1888) London.
The regimental history records the strength of the Regiment in 1888 as 26 officers and 370 NCOs and soldiers.
The length of time since the CISC badges passed out of use, the small number of regimental members at the time, and the short period they were worn all lead to the expectation that the CISC badges will be rare artifacts. Photos of the CISC star badge, which measures 2 1/4 inches across the points, follow:
