Brighton Borough Police constable's or sergeant's cap badges 1935 -1952
Name/Title
Brighton Borough Police constable's or sergeant's cap badge c1935-1952
Entry/Object ID
2396
Description
Chrome plated circular cap badge topped with a King's crown marked "Brighton Police" with a Brighton Borough coat of arms centre. Has a slider fixing to rear. No maker's marks.
Use
For use on a constable's or sergeant's cap.
Context
In the past it was common practice for constables and sergeant's to have plain circular cap badges and for inspector's and above to have star shaped badges with enamelled rings. Some police forces still have this distinction, but others such as Sussex Police now use the same cap badge for all ranks, except chief officers.
The Imperial or King's crown on this example dates it to before 1952 when Queen Elizabeth came to the throne and it was for use on caps worn by constable's and sergeants. This style of badge is thought to have been adopted in Brighton c1935 when the Borough force also changed its style of helmet badge, most likely as a result of the 1934 Home Office Dixon report, which attempted to standardise police uniforms and insignia. At the same time a star shaped, enamelled ring cap badge was adopted for inspectors and above.
This particular example is of a high chrome finish rather than a dull chrome or nickel finish, which may indicate that it is a later example.
