The Royal Engineers were responsible for bridge/road building, mine fields, their laying and clearance, etc. These brooches would have been worn by women on their handbags and lapels to commemorate the service of their men in the field, a tradition which started in the Boer War.

This is a particularly fine die-struck gilt badge (4 x 4.5cm), possibly fire gilt (as opposed to electro-gilt), with the coat of arms of Dubin in the centre, backed by the sword and scales of justice and a civic mace, topped by the burgher's crown. A court official (eg the Tipstaff of the Court) would have worn this.

This could be a commemorative piece for any of the late Victorian Jubilee celebrations. Alternatively, it is just possibly an ordinary patriotic piece with no particular date. Her long reign spanned from 1837-1901, but my guess is that this was definitely made towards the latter end of it.

This was worn on the Home Service helmet, constructed from cork, and, in this case, covered with grey cloth. The crowned portcullis device in the centre is from the arms of the City of Westminster. The QWR, founded in 1860, served with great distinction all through the 20th century's wars.

Mr D J Knight has kindly enlightened me about this badge (which might also be an other ranks pouch badge, though I think it is too big)! The company was raised in 1861 and disbanded in 1866. The dress version has a similar design in embroidery. This badge measures 4 1/8 x 3 1/2 inches.

In 1881 the 87th Prince of Wales Own Royal Irish Fusiliers and the 89th (the Princess Victoria's) Regiment of Foot were amalgamated to form the RIF. The eagle commemorates the capture of the eagle of the 8th French Regiment by the 87th at the battle of Barrosa in 1811.

In 1881 the regimental numbering system was altered and two regiments (27th & 108th) were amalgamated into the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (a distinguished Northern Irish regiment). The busby bomb was introduced in 1865, but, as this badge is not numbered, it is post-1881.