Herewith, the approximate chronology of the insignia shown the the previously posted photo:-
A. Helmet plate. 1878. In that year four(4) London Metropolitan police officers arrived in the FI. They came complete with uniforms and helmets bearing the badge shown. They also brought with them further uniform stocks to equip local FI men.
B. Cap badge. Post. 1903. This badge was also produced in white metal and chrome. It was also made with a QVC which was worn pre. 1903. The chrome KC version was worn up to approx. 1955.
C. Cap badge. 1955 - 1984. Post the liberation, there was only one FIP Constable serving and he continued to wear this cap badge. He was assisted by Officers who were seconded to the FI from UK police forces. Those seconded officers wore their own uniforms and badges.
D. Cap badge. 1984-1985. This badge was supplied by the FI Office in London. Some local officers had been recruited and were wearing the very scarce badge "C", some examples of which had been sourced from retired staff, but there were not enough to go around. Badge "D" was not popular, but replaced "C" to ensure a degree of uniformity.
E. Cap badge. 1985 - May 1993. A new Chief of Police was appointed and he arranged for the badge to be made in Pakistan. It being a cheaper option than having a badge made in the UK. A stock of 200 cap badges and 200 "FIP" shoulder badges were obtained. This was well in excess of the needs of the force and as a result examples were sold to collectors. A further supply of the cap badges were later ordered. These were of the same design but were marginally smaller. The "Royal" title was granted in 1992.
F. Cap badge. May 1993 to-date. The current cap badge manufactured in the UK.
I hope this is helpful.
Dave.
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