Automobile Association (AA) badge
Automobile Association bade for a motor cycle 1962-3
Name/Title
Automobile Association (AA) badgeEntry/Object ID
2025.1.704Description
The logo and emblem of the Automobile Association, with the distinctive double A logo and the wings emblem. Made of chrome with the traditional yellow ground.Context
The AA badge originated in 1905 as a way of identification for AA bicycle scouts to members. Each carried the individual scout's number. By 1906 brass badges for members were being made. The wings were not addd till the AA combined with the Motor Union in 1911. From around 1930 - 1967 the badges were made from chrome and the dome badge was replaced with the rectangular badge in 1967 and the design remains today. The AA was born on the 19th June 1905 by Charles Jarrott and a group of friends who came together to overcome the perceived police oppression of motorists. The original name was the Motorists Mutual Association but by 29th June 1905 they had held their first AGM and changed the name to the Automobile Association. By 1914 there were 83,000 members. The number of AA cycle scouts rose to 950 in 1912. Their job was to alert drivers to the speed traps set by the police! However the AA became much more introducing the first insurance policy in 1907, AA routes in 1912, hotel inspections, 1912 and then on from strength to strength to what is now regarded by some people as "the fourth emergency service".Category
Badge