The Corps of Royal Engineers
Seal rings date back to pre-Roman times when they were used to stamp one's personal seal on letters and documents. This use was commonplace in Britain until the end of the last century.
Today, people wear the rings as a symbol of their family heritage or another important association. The Corps of Royal Engineers ring continues this historic tradition, representing your association with the Corps.
Designed in a traditional style, bearing the Corps cap badge, the ring is a high quality and beautiful piece of jewellery. Made in solid gold, silver or platinum, there are two styles, one for men and one for women.
The Corps cufflinks show the cap badge on the front, with an oval back, connected by a traditional chain link. Backs can be left plain, or have personal engraving added. Alternatively, the cufflinks are available with a simple T-bar fitting.
The collection is offered in solid silver, 9ct gold and 18ct gold. Rings are also available to order in white gold, 22ct gold and platinum. Please contact us for a current price if your particular requirement is not listed.
The jewellery is designed to be worn by:
Serving Officers * Serving Soldiers * Former SAPPERS of all ranks * Immediate family members
Some Background...
The cap badge in its present form can be traced back to the reign of HM King Edward VII. The design incorporates uniform markings and inscriptions taken from dress accessories dating as far back as 1782.
The first recorded item to be used was the Royal cypher and crown of the reigning monarch. This still forms the centre piece of the cap badge and changes with each monarch.
The inscription 'Honi Soit Qui Mal y Pense' - evil to him who evil thinks - was awarded as the Corps motto by HM King William IV in 1787.
The 'garter' was introduced in 1802, having been adopted by the Royal Military Artificers as an embellishment to a new style Shako head-dress. Many Regiments used sprigs of laurel to signify victory laurels.
The Corps adopted this style on their shako-plates circa 1843. They then extended it to other dress items.
Finally, the "Royal Engineers" scroll began as an inscription on Officers' shoulder belt plates circa 1800. It was added to the cap badge during the reign of HM King Edward VII. The cap badge in its current form was first worn by soldiers departing for the South African wars in 1899.
Today it is worn by all members of the Corps, with the exception of those serving with the R. Mon RE (M) and Jersey Fd Sqn RE (M).