Name/Title
Sussex Police chrome helmet plate 1974-1999Entry/Object ID
279Description
One piece chrome plated Brunswick Star helmet plate with Queen's Crown, marked "Sussex Police" with "EllR" cypher in solid centre. Has only two prong attachments to rear, the third having broken off.Use
For day and night use on a police helmet.Context
In 1974 Sussex Constabulary was re named Sussex Police to reflect a more modern image and this helmet plate was introduced for both day and night use. It is very similar to the previous helmet plate (see item 280) but with 'Police" instead of "Constabulary". This helmet plate was in use until it was replaced with another design in 1999, which showed the Sussex Police coat of arms of a Tower and Martlets.
Later badges such as this have fold down prong fixings instead of the older style with fixed lugs. This may be because fold down prongs are regarded as a safer option.
Interestingly at the time, Sir George Terry was the Chief Constable, having been appointed in 1972. Previously in 1967 when he was the last Chief Constable of East Sussex Constabulary , in a similar move he changed that Force name to East Sussex Police.
The "EllR" is the royal cypher for Queen Elizabeth ll and the use of the reigning monarch's cypher has been used as an alternative to a coat of arms on police badges since the first helmet plates were used during Queen Victoria's reign.
This style of badge is called a Brunswick Star and its use on police helmets goes back to the 1870's. However it only became more common after 1934, when the Home Office attempted to standardise police uniforms and insignia.