WW1 Canadian CEF RCD Cap Badge Marked Birks

The WW1 Canadian CEF RCD Cap Badge Marked Birks is an original military insignia issued to members of the Royal Canadian Dragoons during the First World War. Constructed from brass, this badge features the regiment’s emblematic design, including the central “RCD” monogram and royal crown, encircled by a scroll inscribed with the unit’s name. The reverse side bears a maker’s mark from Birks, a well-known Canadian jeweler and military badge manufacturer active during the period. Cap badges such as this were worn on service dress caps by soldiers of the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) and served both as a symbol of regimental identity and as a means of distinguishing personnel. This artifact provides insight into Canadian military insignia practices of the early 20th century and reflects the association between Canadian armed forces and domestic manufacturing during the Great War. Its design and markings are consistent with period-issued examples.