Name/Title
West Sussex Constabulary King's Crown black helmet plate c1936 - 1952Entry/Object ID
2551Description
Black painted King's Crown Brunswick star helmet badge, marked "West Sussex Constabulary" with separate chrome coat of arms centre.Use
For use on a West Sussex Constabulary constable or sergeant's helmet.Context
From 1912 until 1936 West Sussex Constabulary stopped using helmets in favour of uniform caps. In 1936 the new chief constable Robert Patterson Wilson, made several uniform changes, including the re-introduction of uniform helmets. Until 1912, wreath style helmet badges were used but in 1936 new Brunswick star pattern badges with a King's Crown were adopted in the county, like the one pictured. These were used for day and night use until 1952, when an almost identical badge with a Queen's Crown was used following the death of George VI. Black helmet plates continued to be used in West Sussex Constabulary until 1958, when all chrome versions of the badge were adopted. These were used for day and night use until 1968 and the creation of Sussex Constabulary.
There are some all chrome plated or white metal versions of this badge known to exist, though they are not believed to have been in general use. They may have been intended for limited ceremonial use or for senior officers, though to date there is no evidence to show they were ever used.