Melbourne Cavalry side cap badge?

[badgecollector]

hi all
recently been offered this and couldn’t work out what it is?
to many flames for engineers and artillery?
a mate tells me he was told by a reputable dealer this is a Melbourne Cavalry side cap badge circa 1901-3?
but if this is the case, why is it a grenade and not the crossed swords like the hat badge?
any thoughts welcomed
BC

[fairlie63]

I would be looking for an amendment to dress regulations for Victoria to determine if this was a badge worn on the shoulder strap by the rank and file of the Victorian Engineers (Permanent Section) sometime between 1890 and 1893.

In 1890 the permanent artillery in Victoria replaced their brass shoulder title with a grenade - artillery had seven flames. Engineers had nine flames, no reason why the permanent engineers didn't follow suit although I haven't seen such an amendment in the Gazette.

It may also have been an efficiency badge worn on the right cuff by submarine miners in NSW and possibly Victoria.

I would expect that if it was to be worn above the chevrons by staff-sergeants and sergeants of engineers in the Australian colonies that it would have been wire embroidered.

Keith

[badgecollector]

thanks Keith
what you say makes sense. so some more investigating needed.
cheers
BC