A superb condition original 1974 to 1998 2nd pattern East Sussex Fire Brigade cap badge manufactured Firmin Badge Company of London. Excellent patina to the gilt enamel badge & both cap fixing lugs intact to the rear of the cap badge, the enamel centre fixed to the standard issue fully pressed Home Office star.
East Sussex Fire Brigade was formed in 1948 after The National Fire Service disbanded & fire control came under the regional counties & county borough's to administer. The first pattern cap badge of a single crown with no white wave between the crown & birds ( marlins ) on the shield was in force from 1948 to 1974. There are 2 patterns of this cap badge being small or larger marlins within the shield. The 2nd pattern introduced in 1974 had a white wavy line seperating the single crown from the Marlins. The 3rd pattern in use for only 6 years added an extra 2 crowns to the top of the shield in 1998. In 2004 the brigade changed it's title to Fire & Rescue Service.