Material: Gilding metal (brass)
Size: 25 mm W × 57 mm H
Description: This die-stamped brass insignia belongs to an officer of the British Army's Royal Engineers. The piece prominently displays a classic tactical "flaming grenade" configuration, characterized by its textured spherical bomb base with concentric grooving mimicking fused casing. Bursting from the neck of the grenade are nine distinct, layered flames carved with meticulous feathering to denote burning speed and blast volatility.
Reverse: Hollow-back construction with single lug; traces of solder visible at neck.
Circa: 1881-1945
Notes:
While the Royal Artillery famously utilizes a similar flaming grenade insignia containing seven flames, the Royal Engineers specifically feature nine flames on their badges to distinguish the branches. This design choice is historically attributed to old gunpowder keg markings, where more flames indicated a finer, faster-burning granule ideal for demolition work rather than artillery propulsion.