A pair of King's Crown rank insignia, in a gilded finish with red felt backing. Each has two lugs to the rear and a split pin for attaching to a uniform.
Use
To designate the rank of superintendent
Context
A crown insignia on its own represents the police rank of superintendent, but worn together with other insignia represents a higher rank. On occasion though, they have been included as part of constable's uniforms. In the early 20th century crowns were sometimes worn along with numbers on officer's collars or on epaulettes. They were also a common form of cap badge for special constables.
These particular insignia are in the form of King's Crowns which dates them to between 1901 and 1952. They are recorded as having been used by a Superintendent Arthur Lodge. At this time he has not been identified but may have served anywhere within Sussex, most likely in the early 20th century. What is slightly unusual is the gilt finish. Normally police insignia (with the exception of the City of London Police) are white metal or chrome plated. These are lit in the army style. As later as the 1930s some Sussex police forces did use rather elaborate dress uniforms for their senior officers, and that may explain why they are this colour.
