Imperial German Gilt Flaming Grenade Cap Badge on Silver Sunburst

A finely made Imperial German-era small badge constructed as a two-tone metal device: a gilt flaming grenade motif mounted over a silvered, radially fluted “sunburst” roundel with a raised outer rim. The grenade is crisply detailed with vertically ribbed body, pronounced fuse/ignition assembly, and stylized flame elements at the crown, giving the piece strong dimensionality when worn. The face shows honest handling and age—light surface scratches and minor rub-through to the gilt on the high points, with scattered darkening in recesses consistent with period metal and decades of storage.

The reverse is fitted with a simple horizontal attachment strap/pin arrangement intended for wear on cloth (cap, visor cap band, or uniform garment), and the roundel shows paired circular holes at opposing sides. These holes are consistent with practical, period mounting solutions—either supplementary stitching/secondary retention, or compatibility with a backing plate/liner arrangement to stabilize the badge on softer cap fabric.

Importantly, this is not a Pickelhaube fitting. The flaming grenade is a long-established European military symbol tied to grenadier tradition and, by extension, specialist arms associated with explosives and shock action (including pioneers/engineers and various artillery traditions). In the German context the grenade device carried a strong “elite” connotation rooted in 18th–19th century grenadier heritage, and it remained a popular emblem in the Kaiserreich for unit identity, veterans’ pride, and affiliated associations. Pieces like this were often worn as small distinction badges—subtle, but immediately legible to period eyes—especially in the pre-war and wartime years when martial symbolism and club culture overlapped heavily.

Collector appeal is high for two reasons: first, the design is bold and unmistakably “Imperial” in vocabulary (gilt relief over a bright, engineered ground), and second, the construction reads as a legitimate period-made badge rather than a modern souvenir—clean die work, correct aging, and a straightforward functional reverse. It displays exceptionally well and pairs naturally with Imperial German caps, pre-war patriotic items, and early specialist-emblem groupings.

Condition is overall very good for a small worn badge: sharp details, attractive remaining finish, and an intact reverse attachment showing expected age.