WW1 Canadian CEF Crossed Cannons Artillery Trade Badge

The WW1 Canadian CEF Crossed Cannons Artillery Trade Badge is an original insignia awarded to qualified artillery personnel serving with the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War. Worn on the uniform sleeve, this badge denotes proficiency in artillery duties. It is typically made of brass or embroidered cloth, featuring two cannons crossed at the center. The design reflects traditional artillery motifs used within Commonwealth armies during the period. Such trade badges were introduced to identify specialized skills among enlisted soldiers and non-commissioned officers. The crossed cannons indicate the wearer’s assignment to artillery roles such as gun crew, gunners, or other artillery-related positions. This item is representative of Canadian military insignia from 1914 to 1918 and provides insight into the system of skill-based recognition used by the CEF. The badge serves as both a historical artifact and an example of early 20th-century military uniform accessories.