We have read several contributions to your paper dealing with the early years of symphonic bands in Malta; this is possibly due to the fact that both the De Rohan Band of Żebbuġ and L’Isle Adam Band of Rabat were celebrating their 150th anniversary.

The fact remains, however, that 19th century popular history in Malta is still not accurately documented, and thus most of these ‘records’ are based on loose evidence inferred from secondary documentation. I feel that I can contribute to this discussion by presenting a particular cap-badge from my collection, which can shed light on the first years of musical bands in Malta.

The metal badge, possibly manufactured in England, can be attributed to the second half of the 19th century.

This badge presents the coat of arms of Grand Master L’Isle Adam centrally placed on the eight-pointed cross with a lower inscription reading ‘L’Isle Adam Band 1862’.

This seems to indicate that the first members considered 1862 as the year in which their band was founded.

For some unknown reason, this founding year was subsequently changed and the same band today considers 1860 as its official founding year.

Now that all the celebrations related to these anniversaries have ended, I had to raise this fact not only to stimulate an informed discussion on this subject, but also because I wish to know more on the origins of this badge and possibly what led to the change in dates.