5th Pattern NZ Police Cap Badge Variant
This was the production version of the previous badge and was worn on the wide brimmed hats of the first police women’s uniform issued in 1953. It was also intended to be worn on the forage caps of Constables and NCO’s when their redesigned, open necked uniforms were issued from 1956. It is based upon the design of the previous prototype badge, but varies with the Tudor Crown being the open style instead of solid. This variant was made just prior to King George VI death in 1952 and had only been issued to policewomen. With Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the Throne, all badges should have been changed to replace Tudor Crown badges with new examples bearing the St. Edwards Crown. The cost of the sudden change meant the replacement badge was not available until 1956, so this variant was worn until it was phased in. In order to receive a new version, this badge had to be handed back in and as a result they are now quite rare. Measuring 4.0 cm tall by 5.6 cm wide, they were made of stamp pressed chromium plated brass by Meyer and Keen of Wellington, New Zealand (Who were renamed in a new partnership at about this time to become Meyer and Toye Ltd.). It bears the stamped inscription of “M & K LD” behind the crown and is fitted with two horizontal loops on the reverse for split pin attachment, the latter being just visible.
