*British Army, Post-1952, Warrant Officer Class II (WO2) Full-Size Sleeve Rank Badge – Queen’s Crown Embroidered Service Dress Insignia*
A scarce and attractive original British Army Warrant Officer Class II (WO2) full-size sleeve rank badge, dating from the post-1952 Queen Elizabeth II era, featuring the distinctive embroidered crowned wreath design in cream and brown thread on khaki-brown wool backing. This regulation padded cloth insignia was worn by senior Warrant Officers on No.2 Service Dress, battledress blouses, and other formal wool service uniforms.
The badge displays the correct large crowned wreath pattern associated with the WO2 rank, used for appointments such as Company Sergeant Major (CSM), Squadron Sergeant Major (SSM), and equivalent senior NCO roles across infantry, cavalry, artillery, and support branches of the British Army. The St Edward’s Crown (Queen’s Crown) confirms issue after 1952, replacing the earlier Tudor (King’s) Crown used during the reign of King George VI.
Constructed in the traditional padded embroidered style, the badge retains its original felt backing pad to the reverse and remains the correct regulation full-size pattern measuring approximately 5.5 cm x 5 cm. This larger format was specifically intended for direct sewing onto the upper sleeve of service dress and battledress uniforms, rather than the smaller field-service wrist straps or slip-on insignia used in tropical or working dress.
Approx. Measurements – Width: 5.5 cm. Height: 5 cm.
History Note:
Warrant Officer Class II remains one of the most recognisable senior non-commissioned ranks in the British Army, with the crown insignia serving as its defining badge of authority. Such original embroidered examples are increasingly sought after by collectors of British military insignia, particularly complete service dress examples retaining correct period construction.
*Condition*
Condition is good overall with honest service wear and age. Light age-related handling wear throughout. A genuine period example with good display appeal. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
