A 1st pattern Soke Of Peterborough Fire Brigade 1948 to 1955 cap badge. With only 2 fire stations covering 84 square miles of area this small county borough fire brigade's badges are fairly sought after by collectors because of their small issued number !
This badge, the 1st issue was worn from 1948 until 1955 so only 7 years. The badge changed from this crossed keys variation to an enamel heraldry style badge worn until 1965 when it merged with Huntingdon County Fire Service to form Huntingdon & Peterborough Fire Service. There is an unenamelled variation of the 2nd pattern badge that exists but was never issued because of the error and a small number are in circulation, very desireable to fire service cap badge collectors. 
This badge manufactured by Mike Trueman Badges of Birmingham is in excellent condition. The chrome enamel centre fixed to a standard fully pressed issue Home Office star, both cap fixing lugs intact to the rear of the badge.