BACKGROUND: Cap badges were usually made of white metal, brass, copper or bi-metal. Most commonly brass and white metal were used. With the shortage of ferrous metal towards the end of 1940, an alternative material was needed for the manufacture of cap badges. Rolled brass and bakelite were among the materials tested but it was cellulose acetate that was finally selected, as it was a modern plastic that could be used with injection molding equipment. The first cellulose acetate badges were produced in December of 1941and were limited to the corp level, with the regimental level badges going into production in June of 1942. Since the average soldier preferred the metal badges over the plastic and they were produced for a short period of time, plastic cap badges can be fairly rare.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: An injection molded, black plastic, cap badge in the form of a wreath of laurel leaves encompassing a stylized "RAF" with a King’s crown to the top. To the reverse are two flat brass retaining tabs and the embossed text "A Stanley & Sons," "Walsall," "101B-2-2" and "T-2." The badge is in excellent unused condition with the only a single blemish to the reverse..

GRADE****1/2                             PRICE $33.00