Unknown Military (?) insignia

[on.off]

I was wondering if anybody could ID the insignia on this piece (and perhaps also what the piece is...)

The insignia seems to have a crown, a large "H", a smaller "OO", and a number 4.

The piece is made of brass and is fairly heavy for its size of about 1 5/8" across; the crown and lettering are nickel silver or some other white metal

Any thoughts appreciated!

 

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[on.off]

well, part of the mystery is solved--it appears to be an insignia of the 4th Queen's Own Hussars. it may date to wwi as i found it from the estate with a couple other wwi pieces. the "OO" i mentioned is actually "QO" (although oddly the tail of the Q seems to be on the left side...). i don't think it is any later than wwi.

International Badges & Insignia - WW1 Queens Own Hussars IV Brass Officers Cap Badge - 1 lug missing was sold for R150.00 on 11 Mar at 15:46 by Klein Karoo Coins in Oudtshoorn (ID:137134693)

however i am still puzzled about its function...

 

[kcm]

Just a guess (cause otherwise I haven't a clue!!), it might have come from some of the leather straps used on horses.

 

[cudamark]

Neckerchief slide?