Material: Gilt bronze.
Size: 65 mm × 50 mm.
Description: The front profile presents a multi-layered 19th-century field gun surmounted by a small intermediate scroll reading "UBIQUE" (Everywhere) beneath a majestic King's Crown. The base of the design is anchored by an expansive, multi-tiered scrolling banner that highlights the sharply struck Latin motto "QUO FAS ET GLORIA DUCUNT" (Whither Right and Glory Lead). This die-struck brass insignia features a specialized central rivet that allows the detailed, multi-spoked main carriage wheel to spin freely. The raw, unmarked reverse is fitted with two robust copper folding tabs or sliders specifically designed to lock the insignia securely onto standard wool service dress caps.
Reverse: The backplate exhibits a completely hollow-struck, incuse reflection of the front field gun body, upper scroll, and lower motto banner lines. A prominent central brass rivet is flattened neatly against the back of the cannon assembly, acting as the secure axle spindle that allows the front wheel to rotate. Spanning horizontally across the lower field are two long, thick copper folding tabs, which fold across the hollow body to form a secure friction attachment meant for heavy wool headgear.
Circa: 1902-1952
Notes:
This particular variant is highly sought after by militaria specialists because it features the highly desirable "moving wheel" assembly rather than the common, late-war one-piece solid strikes. While the Royal Artillery utilized this general pattern across both World Wars, collectors closely study the thickness of the brass and the style of the reverse fasteners, as early World War I-era pieces typically feature these thick, hand-soldered copper tabs rather than the rigid brass sliders found on later issues.