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. The Auxiliary Territorial Service was formed as a women's auxiliary, with their members serving as drivers, postal workers, telephone, office and mess orderlies, military police, gun crews and numerous other support roles during the Second World War. By the end of the war their ranks were at about 20,000 before being disbanded in 1949 and the remaining members being absorbed into the Women's Royal Army Corps.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: An injection molded, brown plastic, cap badge, of a laurel wreath with the letters "A T S " to the center surmounted by a King’s crown. To the reverse is a 1 1/2" long by 1/8" wide, vertical plastic retaining clip with the text "JR&L Ltd BHAM" (Jarrett, Rainsford & Laughton Ltd, Birmingham) embossed to its spine. The badge is in excellent unused condition. 

GRADE****3/4                             PRICE $59.00