On the contrary, Clive, the origins of the design of the RCR Victorian cipher and crown are NOT well documented.
I've done the research. There is no graphic record of the origin of the design. The dates of the birth of the regiment and the granting of
the use of the Victorian cipher in perpetuity by G VI are well documented, but there is no record of the original design and records are vague also as to how the "I" in the cipher came into use. Queen Victoria was indeed Empress of India but it is questionable as to whether she was ever Empress of Canada. My personal theory is that the cipher was sketched out on a napkin over a few drinks in the Officers' Mess by an officer who was familiar with the script VR cipher, much in the same fashion as the origins of well-known WW2 fighters such as the P-51 Mustang and P-38. The SR71 was also sketched out on a napkin. This is not meant to compare badges with airplanes, but great ideas often have their beginnings on a white napkin. It's a proven fact.
I'd like to find that napkin.
What I'm searching for is the Holy Grail. For example, the original design of the US Army's paratroopers' wings is well documented. There are sketches, there are specifications to validate the design. There is nothing to validate the design of the RCR VRI cipher. There is no graphic record. There is nothing. (Incidentally, "cypher" is very, very British. US and Canadian usage is "cIpher", same same with "tyre" and "tire" as found on our automobiles, so feel free to kick the "kerb" as opposed to our "curb".) No disrespect meant.
