Is this Boer?

[McCulloh]

I bought this for 10p on the portabello Road, London in 1973. I thought it looked cool.
Somebody later told me that it is a Boer (Republic of ?) horse brass used for their horse artillery. I doubt it given the Napoleonic eagle at the top, but who knows? Anybody?
Its' brass and about 4 inches high.

[Rick Research]

Did they call themselves the Republik van Zuid Afrika back ca 1900?

[McCulloh]

No: there were 2 Boer republics back then: Orange free State and Transvaal. I think that Natal was autonomous too.

[McCulloh]

Oh come on...can anybody even translate the Dutch/Afrakaans (?) for me? Bitte schon?

[Chris Boonzaier]

It says "unity is strength" with ZAR in the middle (South African Republic)
Can you show the back?
It is a badge of the Transvaal police up until 1902.
All the best
Chris

[McCulloh]

Chris
here is the back side of the badge.
Was it worn on a pith helmet?

[Chris Boonzaier]

Indeed it was.
All the best
Chris