Two different fixings RAF side cap.
 

Picked up the bladed badge this morning, not come across this type before.
Does anyone know if the difference in fixing method is to do with date of manufacture or makers variation ?
Thanks Tony.

It's only a makers variation, wartime. Not popular as the prongs tended to break off if the badge was removed for cleaning too often!

And sometimes you get lucky and find a maker's name on the reverse of the eagle for these type of badges - names like Firmin and others!

Beaufighter,
No name on the screw post badge, can't see on bladed one (don't want to bend the blades to remove backing plate).
Cheers Tony.