Material: Moulded phenolic plastic (economy issue)
Size: 25 mm w × 37 mm h
Description: This vintage military-related artifact is an authentic British Royal Artillery Association Benevolent Fund (RAABF) lapel badge. The piece is intricately injection-molded from a durable, brass-toned "economy" plastic or synthetic resin, perfectly mimicking a classic metallic military casting. The design portrays a traditional ordnance flaming grenade featuring a textured, spherical bomb body incised with a spiral tracking pattern, surmounted by a seven-flamed combusting plume. Swirling beneath the bomb is a stylized lower ribbon scroll containing the embossed letters "R.A.A.B.F." separated by crisp punctuation dots.
Reverse: This image captures the authentic reverse face of the previously cataloged British Royal Artillery Association Benevolent Fund plastic lapel badge. The injection-molded, solid-back construction reveals a textured matte-tan synthetic resin field that perfectly matches the contours of the front design. Mounted diagonally across the main body is the original metal safety pin fastening assembly, secured tightly into position via a raised, integrated plastic channel wall. Curving gracefully around the upper flaming plume section is the beautifully crisp, raised molded manufacturer inscription that reads "EDWARD BRINDLEY & CO. LTD. AFRICA HOUSE LONDON".
Circa: 1940 – 1945
Notes:
The material choice of this badge holds immense historical significance tied directly to the industrial strains of the Second World War. Following the onset of intense wartime shortages in 1940, the British government placed strict restrictions on strategic metals like copper, zinc, and brass, reserving them exclusively for frontline weapons and factory ammunition lines. To continue operations without consuming vital materials, charities and military associations partnered with private manufacturers to pioneer the use of early thermoplastics. This specific badge was sold to the British public throughout the war as a charitable fundraising token, with all proceeds directly financing the Royal Artillery Association's benevolent relief funds and the creation of a national Roll of Honour to support wounded veterans and bereaved military families.
The reverse side of this badge is a fantastic case study in World War II "economy issue" ingenuity. When the Ministry of Supply banned the use of copper alloys for non-essential items, companies like Edward Brindley & Co. Ltd. had to completely pivot their factories away from traditional die-striking metal presses. Instead, they embraced early plastic injection molding, utilizing a durable synthetic compound often mixed with metallic powder or surface gilt to give the final product a respectable, brass-like appearance for the purchasing public. The inclusion of the full "Africa House London" address on the mold is highly valued by collectors because it places the production run directly within Kingsway’s historic commercial district during the height of the Blitz.