Does anyone know what this is?

Question

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d37/fireproofbyfaith/bombpinthing.jpg

Its a copper pressing of a flamming bomb with the number one on it. There are two axes and four arrows with it. It has four tabs on the back that work like the closure on a manilla envelope. I have seen these locally (north western NC) but I have never known what they are for. My only guess is that its WWII related, but Im not sure. Thanks for any help!

Actually, I was thinking copper toned, so I typed copper... it is brass. Its way too strong to be copper. Oops :).

Its about 3"x3"

It may me a helmet insignia. It is kind of curved when viewed from the side. You can't see it in my picture, but it is slightly convex.

Answer 1

It is probably a cap/hat/helmet insignia for an ordnance or artillery unit (it looks larger than you would see on a uniform), possibly from the civil war, but more likely from WWI or later, and more than likely foreign. I think it's british, but don't hold me to that.

Answer 2

I looked at a couple sites that have lots of military decals and found nothing. Being made out of copper is odd. Brass being the metal of choice.

The center piece is the Army Ordnance Corps Insignia. The crossed battle axe might be the result of a unit that made it's own insignia. Many Regiments/Battalions and Companies have made pocket patches since WWII. Never saw a medal though. The "1" might be a connection to the 1st ID.

It is also possible that it is older than you think.

Good Luck

Answer 3

I believe It's an Army Ordnance hat or lapel pin from WWII or older. I saw similar pictures on various web sites but couldn't find an exact match.
The current Army Ordnance hat pin is a plan brass flaming round bomb

Answer 4

Its not British as there is no Crown on it, could be European will copy your picture and post on a Militaria website I belong to, hopefully I will get an answer before your question times out: