*British, Mid-20th Century, Royal Engineers Cap Badge, Car Badge & Terry’s Registered Tool (3)*
A representative small grouping of mid-20th-century Royal Engineers items, comprising a J.R. Gaunt car badge, an EIIR period cap badge, and a Terry’s Registered tool fitted with a red-and-blue striped ribbon. Together they form a compact assemblage of regimental identity, personal kit, and associated automobilia of the Royal Engineers in the post-war decades.
1. Royal Engineers Cap Badge (EIIR) A bi-metal cap badge, approx. 4 cm × 4.5 cm, displaying the EIIR cipher within the Garter, surmounted by the Queen’s Crown, laurel wreath surround, and scroll “ROYAL ENGINEERS.” The badge retains its original rear fittings (slider now detached but present). Typical of early Elizabeth II service dress.
2. Royal Engineers Car Badge – J.R. Gaunt, London (Model B/264) A substantial chromed metal car badge, 7.8 cm × 14.5 cm including finial, with a crowned EIIR Royal Engineers crest set against alternating red and blue enamel panels within a laurel wreath border. The top features the distinctive flaming grenade finial. Mounted on the original baseplate stamped “B/264” and “J.R. GAUNT LONDON.” The rear shows factory-fit studs and one original fixing screw.
3. Terry’s Registered Tool with Ribbon – Regd. 599540/12 A chrome-plated steel multi-slot Terry’s tool, 3.5 cm × 4.5 cm, stamped “TERRY’S / MADE IN ENGLAND / REGd 599540/12.” Fitted with a red-and-blue striped ribbon, similar in palette to regimental colours. Terry’s tools of this form were used for quick-release or tensioned fittings on equipment, vehicles, and small assemblies.
Historical Note: The Royal Engineers—one of the oldest and most technically skilled corps in the British Army—have long been associated with innovation, engineering expertise, and strong regimental identity. Their insignia is instantly recognisable: the Garter circlet with “Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense”, the laurel wreath, and a crowned cipher reflecting the reigning monarch.
During the 1950s–60s, RE officers, staff, and association members frequently fitted regimental car badges to their personal or official vehicles; Gaunt of London produced many of the highest-quality examples, including the B/264 pattern represented here. The cap badge reflects the transition into the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, while the Terry’s Registered tool adds a utilitarian element, as such devices were commonly kept with kit, motor equipment, or field gear.
Together, the three items offer a snapshot of RE identity across uniform, vehicle, and practical accessories.
*Condition* All items show honest age wear, patina, and surface oxidation consistent with mid-20th-century use and storage. Maker marks and registration stamps remain legible across all components. Cap Badge: Age-darkened patina with light verdigris; some silvering loss to wreath; rear fittings present. Car Badge: Enamel with losses, dull patches and wear; tarnish and oxidation to metal surfaces; baseplate complete with one original screw; Gaunt markings clear. Terry’s Tool: Chrome plating with flaking and rust spotting; marks fully legible; ribbon worn but retaining strong colour. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
