British, King George VI Period, Grenadier Guards Flaming Grenade Cap Badge (GRI Cypher) – Converted Brooch

*British, King George VI Period, Grenadier Guards Flaming Grenade Cap Badge (GRI Cypher) – Converted Brooch*

An original British Army Grenadier Guards cap badge dating to the reign of King George VI. The badge is struck in brass and features the traditional flaming grenade emblem associated with grenadier units, with the crowned royal cypher “GRI” (Georgius Rex Imperator) prominently displayed on the grenade ball.

The flaming grenade has long been the emblem of elite infantry formations within the British Army. The Grenadier Guards, one of the most senior regiments of Foot Guards, trace their origins to 1656 and adopted the grenade device following their distinguished service as grenadiers during the 17th and 18th centuries.

The cypher identifies this example as belonging to the King George VI period (1936–1952), encompassing the Second World War and immediate post-war era. Badges of this pattern were worn on the regiment’s distinctive bearskin cap or service dress headgear.

This example has been later converted for brooch wear, with the original cap badge lugs removed and replaced with a brooch-style pin fitting to the reverse.

Approx. Measurements – Height: approx. 5.5 cm. Width: approx. 4.5 cm.

History Note:
The Grenadier Guards are one of the five regiments of Foot Guards in the British Army’s Household Division. Originally raised in 1656, the regiment earned the title “Grenadier” after defeating Napoleon’s Imperial Guard grenadiers at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. The flaming grenade device became the regiment’s principal badge and remains a recognised symbol of grenadier units across many armies.

*Condition*
Good overall detail remaining to the brass with age-related wear and areas of verdigris visible, particularly around the crown and reverse. The original cap badge lugs have been removed and replaced with a later brooch-style pin fitting. The pin mechanism is present but currently not functioning. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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