The new REME grill badges are in the works. They will be jewelry quality chrome plated brass badges that may be bolted through your grill (with a nylon stud) or perminantly attached using automotive quality double sided tape to the body, dash, or the MINI magnetic grill badge holder. But first a little history:

1. A computer-generated drawing is fed onto an automated pattern cutter. This ensures that no discrepancy occurs between approved design, and the engraver's artistic interpretation . . . . .What is drawn and submitted will be exactly what you get.
2. The approved design will be broken down to a computer-generated blueprint, this in turn will be used as a pattern for mold making.
3. Actual mold work begins.
4. A slab of modeling clay is pressed against the negative. This creates an imprint of the final product.
5. The clay imprint is reviewed by no less than three craftsmen. This is actually redundant but we really wouldn't want anything that is less than perfect. There is a lifetime guarantees against workmanship defects.
6. Mold is de-burred and polished to ensure that no "noise" such as hairline cracks, dimples, and irregularities are transferred onto the finished product.
7. The finished and approved metal mold is heat-treated, a necessary step before it can be subjected to pressures of up to 50 tons per square inch.
8. The mold is again cleaned, polished, and checked for defects.
9. Once the mold passes our scrutiny, stamping begins.
10. Stamped 1/8" thick pieces are cut to shape and de-burred.
11. Rough polishing is then done.
12. Finishing options such as cloisonne, electroplating, engraving, etc. are then applied.
13. Final polishing and cleaning is done at this time.
14. Each piece is checked for minute defects. Small errors that are nearly invisible to the naked eye are rectified.
15. Finally, each badge receives a clear coat of epoxy to make it impervious to the elements.

Cloisonne on brass emblems were used on most cars until the 1940's. They continued to be used on some expensive American cars for several years. Foreign sports cars still use them routinely. Cloisonne badges can be found on the radiator grille, headlight bars, side mounts, and in the interior as well. Cloisonne is also used in many types of jewelry.

 

These badges are beautiful! The pictures do them no justice.

I am placing an order by September 15th. I will be ordering only a limited supply of extra badges. If you are interested I need your order and payment ASAP. Please email me with your order and I will respond with payment information.

 

Nice badges!

 

Nice badges and an interesting history. Makes me wonder if the custom of waving to other motorists, other than just being a friendly gesture, began w/ the Automobile Association.

 

Peter,

Sign me up for a Badge! They are awesome. I'll be proud to display my REME Badge.

Now all we need to do is find someone to stand in the road and salute our Minis to let us know the road is clear ahead! Do I see any volunteers?

 

Cool badge for the club.

 

so far we have around 30 preordered... I'll be ordering them on September 15, so if anyone else is interested, please email me soon.

 

I'm always willing to stand in the road for another Mini Norm! We just need to come up with a good salute and not be disheartened by the salute the other non-MINIs will be giving us...

 

If you did not pre-order a badge, I have a few extras available for purchase. Email me with your request. We may not be making a second order of badges for many months so if you want one, now is the time to step up.

 

I got my badge last week, it's a thing of beauty and a work of art. The workmanship is first rate.

retroom