The 93rd(Sutherland Highlanders) Regiment of Foot or's Feather Bonnet Badge
This is the early badge that was worn before Balaclava(1855) and probably superceded by the badge that incorporates the Battle honour"Balaclava"...Because of their gallantry in this action....The Thin Red Line etcetera I am assuming that the Battle Honour would have been given sooner rather than later and this badge is likely to have been introduced from sometime in the early 1860's well before 1881 when Lord Cardwell's reforms were introduced as I am sure you are aware of that badge that does bear the Battle Honour which is also pre 1881.
Measuring 2.5 inches in height and about 2.25 inches in width,all in a lovely mellow brass,comprising; a spray of two thistles surrounds a quoit inscribed "SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS" with to the fretted centre the numerals "93".
Below is a scroll inscribed "CAPE OF GOOD HOPE" with at the very top an excellent Victorian Crown.
To the rear are 2 excellent copper lugs.
The badge is very nicely die struck and with the numerals "93" being slightly convex it looks like the Jocks even then put a bit of swagger into their badges. When I was an armourer...many moons ago I was often asked and persuaded to buff/ polish not only badges but most other insignia. One that I will always remember is where the lads wanted the centre of the glengarry badge fretted and a small mirror or tin plate(well buffed) put behind the badge.!
SANS PEUR...says it all !