Fake Royal Artillery Cap Badges

Introduction: The Royal Artillery and Its Iconic Cap Badge

The Royal Regiment of Artillery, more commonly known as the Royal Artillery, has been a cornerstone of the British Army since its formal establishment in 1716. Tasked with providing firepower on land—from field guns and howitzers, anti-aircraft systems, to modern missile systems—the regiment has played a pivotal role in nearly every major British military campaign over the past three centuries.

The Royal Artillery cap badge is one of the most instantly recognisable in British military history. It features a cannon (field gun) facing left, surmounted by a crown and the regimental motto "Ubique" (Latin for "Everywhere") above the scroll "Quo Fas Et Gloria Ducunt" ("Where Right and Glory Lead"). This intricate and symbolic design has adorned forage caps, service dress caps, and berets worn by generations of gunners.

With such a long and proud tradition, it's no surprise that Royal Artillery cap badges have become highly collectible. Unfortunately, their popularity has also made them a common target for reproductions and fakes—some obvious, others sophisticated enough to mislead even seasoned collectors. In this post, we’ll explore how to distinguish genuine Royal Artillery cap badges from reproductions, highlighting key features, materials, maker marks, and common pitfalls.

Here are clear front and rear images of a fake Royal Garrison Artillery Third Middlesex Volunteers forage cap badge. It s a good basis to begin as a series of fakes in circulation have the same traits.

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