[Guzzman]

Hi Barry

A horizontal gun without addition was used as the badge for a Seaman Gunner, 2nd Class (1890 - 1903) and the badge for an Acting Seaman Gunner (1890 - 1903). Your example has a hessian backing which suggests that it dates from the early part of the 20th century - up to the Second World War. It is possible that it continued being produced in this form between 1903 and the 1940s and that letters and stars were stitched above or below it as required.

My records state that the only horizontal gun worn by members of the Royal Naval Reserve Patrol Service was worn by Seamen Gunners between 1941 - 1948. This was worn with a Star above and a P below.

A Gunlayer in the Patrol Service wore Crossed Guns, with a Star above and a P below (1941-48).

Between 1956 and 1960 a Patrol Service Gunlayer 3rd Class wore Crossed Guns with the appropriate letter below while a Gunlayer 2nd Class wore Crossed Guns with a Star and appropriate letter below.

Now to turn to your second badge - the letter 'V'. In 1923 ratings in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNVR) were ordered to wear a 3/4-inch (19.1mm) 'V' on each cuff. In 1924 this was replaced by the letters 'RNVR'. Your badge looks rather new and the colours rather bright. This may simply be due to the photograph or it may be a reproduction. I can't really tell from the image.

Pete