[altcar73]

In the run up to the formation of the MoD Police, the "amalgamation working party" sent samples of the suggested combined force badges to detachments of the three former forces which were to be merged. Comments were invited and from these a decision was arrived at as to what form the new badges would take.

The two examples pictured were sent to me in the mid 1970's by Superintendent Arthur Salter, who was at that time the Senior Police Officer at HM Dockyard, Chatham.

In theory there should be a good few of these "samples" about, particularly having regard to the fact that "sets" were sent throughout the UK to the Admiralty, Air Force Dept., and Army Dept. Constabularies. It seems that they were not recovered and remained in the possession of those who received them.

Both badges (pictured) are chrome plated with hard fired enamel.

In recent years there have been several examples of the MoD Police star cap badge appearing which have an "all chrome" finish. The chrome plating is invariably very bright and quite thinly applied. The badges usually have lug fittings. I'm fairly sure that these are of recent manufacture and are repros.

Dave.