Cap Badges

This section covers metal badges used by Avon & Somerset Constabulary. See my separate section for cloth badges. All the versions shown here are made of metal.

The early Avon & Somerset Constabulary cap badges used a slider type of 'fixing' which is rarer than the 'prong' type. This type of fixing was also previously used by Bristol Constabulary. This fixing was later changed to the 'prong' type from the 1980's. I am also aware there were a limited number produced with a lug type of fixing.

Cap badge 1

1970's issue cap badge

Reverse showing slider fixing

Cap badge 2

1980's issue cap badge

Reverse showing prong fixing

Somerset & Bath Constabulary (1967-74) also used the type of fixing shown above for most of their badges. The prongs were only meant to be adjusted once when fitting to the cap for the first time. Care should be taken since they can easily snap off if bent too many times.

Cap badge 3

This version has the same prong fixings on the rear as cap badge 2. It was probably issued during the same time as the helmet plate of the same design, between 1985-1990. It was superceded by the coloured versions issued to all ranks from about 1990. This is perhaps the rarest variation of the Avon & Somerset Constabulary cap badges because it was used for a relatively short time.

Cap badge 4: enamel

The fourth main type of cap badge used featured a blue enamel centre ring. This was issued to ranks of Inspector and above. These were made initially with lug and prong fixings before changing to a single centre screw from about 1990. Note that these early versions used the word "AND" which was later changed to "&" about 1985.

Enamel cap badge with lug fixing

Reverse of the enamel cap badge with lug fixing

Lug fixing with brass 'cotter' pin

Enamel cap badge with prong fitting

 

 

 

The enamel cap badge variant shown above has the later shield centre (same as badge 3) with prong fixings. 

The badges above provide a comparison of three slightly different enamel 'prong' fitting cap badges. The first one (from the left) has a navy blue enamel ring which almost appears black. The first and second have a similar square font whilst the third uses a more rounded letter font as seen on this closeup below.  

Enamel cap badge with 'rounded' letters

Current issue cap badges

The current issue cap badge for Constables and Sergeants has a type of gloss paint finish also used by the London Metropolitan Police. All cap badges issued by Avon & Somerset Constabulary since the 1990's have used a single screw fixing.

Current issue cap badge for Constables and Sergeants

Rear of current issue cap badge

 The makers mark F&S highlighted here is the company Firmin & Sons

Senior officers enamel version

Cap badge rear with brass screw

A comparison of these two badges can be seen below. The enamel version is on the left and the 'painted' version on the right.

Avon & Somerset Constabulary current issue cap badges

Here's another current issue cap badge which unusually, features a slider fixing on the reverse. It seems the badges have 'come full circle' because the first versions issued by Avon & Somerset Constabulary to Constables and Sergeants in 1974 had a slider type fixing. These were later changed to 'prong' fixings during the 1980's and then a single screw fixing from the 1990's as described at the top of this page. 

Avon & Somerset Constabulary current issue cap badge with slider fixing

 

This may be a result of the procurement partnership with West Midlands Police. In recent years they've  shared suppliers, as a cost saving measure. This has resulted in Avon & Somerset Constabulary adopting the same style Custodian helmet as West Midlands. West Midlands Police also use the same style of cap badge with slider fixing. No doubt the screw fixing version would continue to be issued until stocks were depleted.

Example of a recent issue West Midlands Police cap badge with slider fixing

How badges are made

This American video explains how US police badges are made, including the enameling process.

More general information about enameling can be found here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitreous_enamel