Royal Engineers Officer’s Service Dress Cap Badge (GRV Cypher, 1911-1936 Pattern) – Manufactured by J. R. Gaunt, London

Royal Engineers officer’s service dress cap badge bearing the crowned cypher of King George V (GRV), dating from the 1911–1936 pattern. The design features the Royal Cypher enclosed within the Garter, complete with its motto, Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense, and surmounted by the King’s Crown. The central device is surrounded by a laurel wreath incorporating a scroll bearing the title ROYAL ENGINEERS. This distinctive insignia identifies the Corps of Royal Engineers, the British Army’s specialist corps responsible for military engineering, construction, fortification, communications and technical support.

Manufactured by J. R. Gaunt of London, this officer’s service dress example is produced in bronze, the subdued metal used for officers’ service dress insignia. The reverse retains its two blade fittings, the characteristic method of attachment on this pattern of officer’s cap badge. The GRV cypher identifies the reign of George V, while the 1911–1936 dating places the badge within the period spanning the First World War and the inter-war years. An attractive example of early twentieth-century British Army officers’ insignia.

Dimensions: 45mm x 40mm

Condition: Good, with some mild wear and verdigris. Please refer to the photographs for details of the bronze construction, raised design, maker’s mark and original blade fittings.