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This is the beautiful, intricately engraved, New South Wales Police, "roundel"
helmet plate c 1870. The badge is "shellbacked" and fully die struck. * N.S.W. Police first and possibly Australia's oldest and rarest "custom made" helmet plate
/ Police badge. Known to be issued to "sworn" NSW Police on duty, as the Governor's Mounted Escort. Only two
of the original examples are thought to have survived. One is on display at the Justice and Police
Museum in The Rocks, Sydney. * See below about replicas. Of note: There may have been another NEW SOUTH WALES MOUNTED POLICE plate, parts
of which were excavated at the Conservatorium of Music site. It
was noted and photographed by Mike NEVILLE of Ozbadge in 2003, during a visit to the site and seems to have a classic
"Maltese Cross" shape. It is now thought to possibly be a Cross-belt badge. More to come.
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Queen
Victoria Crown "VR" cypher NSW Police Helmet plate. Circa
1880.
Most likely the first helmet plate style issued and worn by
both the "mounted" and the "foot" police; on a blue helmet, with white "pugaree", for the mounted police and on
a plain white helmet for the foot police. The design came from a London "Metropolitan Police" helmet plate, issued at
around the same time. They were made and issued in "blackened" brass for "Night Duty"; which would normally wear off
with use (and unofficial polishing}. This "Sterling Silver" and later "white metal" plate (right) is therefore
* One of the Rarest.; as they were only issued to the Inspector General and a select
group of about 10 Senior Officers. Although none are hallmarked, due to their
thinness, the maker of the earlier Queen Victoria (VR) and Edward 7th
(EVII R) NSW Police Helmet plates was JR Gaunt and Son, Birmingham, UK. The George 5th (GvR) and likely Edward 8th (EVIIII R) plates were probably made locally
in Australia; notice the incorrect use of the "Queen Victoria" style Crown on these later two plates. which should
have had the "King's" crown and also note the inaccurate style of cyphers
that were used on these plates.
* N.B: Some
fully die struck replicas were made by Ozbadge, under NSW Police licence in 2005. These were
made slightly smaller than the originals. A small "Oz" plate / "bug" is soldered on the back near
the crown for authenticity. Old and apparently, unauthorized, "cast" filled, replicas still exist.
* FYI. The original plates were
fully die struck from almost "paper thin" metal and weigh just under 20 grams (0.7 ounce). The QVC versions should
be about 100mm in height.
NSW Police, King Edward 7th, King's Crown "EVII R" cypher, helmet plate. Issued c1901 to 1910.
Maker: J.R. Gaunt and Sons, Ltd. London.
Extremely Rare. Please
Note: During the late 1800's,
Commissioned Officers wore many variations of a QVC "style bullion
crown" on their kepis.
The NSW Police "Silver" "1915" Cap Badge. First version. A small badge based on the "helmet plate" style, designed for use with the newly issued, WW1, military style, forage
caps. Issued for a very short time during 1915/16 and then replaced by the "skeleton" series; probably due its small
size and maybe also because of its "illegal" use of the Royal Garter; which surrounds the NSW Coat of Arms. It is
made of un hallmarked silver and is "shellbacked" i.e., fully "die struck".
.* One of the Rarest.
NSW Police, King's Crown, Commissioner's or Senior Commissioned Officer's cap badge; with the very
large padded crown. Hand made. Hallmarked with the makers
initials, "SILVER" and "AMOR".
c 1916 * One of the Rarest.
NSW Police Queen's Crown Commissioner's or Senior Commissioned Officer's chromed cap badge; with the
large, padded crown. Hand made. c 1953 - 1972. Very Rare. Versions were made in Sterling Silver and are Extremely Rare.
NSW Police "skeleton" style reflective badge decal for motorcycle helmets
and rescue squad helmets. Made by 3M © . C 1954 - 1972. Rare.
The all new, 1969, NSW Police Force , cap badge. _____________________________
This is the original "mock-up"
of the current style of NSW Police badge. Although
the new insignia or logo was designed and adopted for various official uses in 1959, the cap
badge was not designed until 1969. This new insignia was designed by Norman A. MERCHANT (D.I.) originally
for use on "table name cards" for the 1959 Commissioner's Conference. This original mock up of the badge
was purchased at the AMOR Archives auction. It is built upon an old QC skeleton badge.
Notice a suggested badge name change to NSW Police "Department". Apparently, only two original mockups were ever made; one is in a private collectors hands, the other with the
NSW Police. * One of the Rarest.
NSW Parking Police and Patrol.
The NSW "Parking Police" were formed in 1945 as "Special Constables" of
the NSW Police "Department"; not the NSW Police "Force", who were "sworn police".
The "Parking Police" designation was changed to NSW Parking "Patrol"
in 1985. This then became an organisation of "unsworn", civilian employees and was totally disbanded and made defunct in 2003; with
local councils assuming their duties.
The NSW Police "Department" and the NSW Police "Force" were amalgamated in
1990.
The King's Crown skelton style badges are Very
Rare, the Queen's Crown Parking Police skeleton badges are Rare and the "Parking Patrol
Officer" badge is Rare.
The KC badges are normally
hallmarked and made of a light, alloy metal.
NSW Parking Patrol officer cap badge. Disbanded in 2003. Scarce Be AWARE of replicas; flat badges with screw mountings.
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Early "carte de visite" photograph of Sergeant Charles Dalton of the N.S.W. Police Governor's
Escort in full ceremonial uniform (based on the 8th Hussar's uniform). "Curly Brim" style helmet with horse hair
"plume" and N.S.W. Police "roundel" helmet plate on it, next to him. Photograph by William Freeman. c
1876.
* This is probably the earliest known photo of any NSW Police officer in uniform. Ozbadge thanks Alan Davies
and the State Library of New South Wales. © Ozbadge.
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NSW Police, King George 5th, "GvR" style cypher, helmet plate issued
from c1911 and may have been worn by some officers up to 1935 (it was a common practice in those days, for some senior
officers to continue to wear older, outdated style plates and badges, to denote seniority). Probably made
locally in Australia. Note the incorrect use of the "Queen Victoria" crown and inaccurate cypher on this original issued plate.
Extremely Rare.
The NSW Police "1915" Cap Badge; the "voided" 2nd version, with triangular lugs. The
"voiding" was an attempt to make it stand out more than the original (see left). A
small, unhallmarked silver badge designed for use with the newly issued, WW1, military style forage caps during 1915/16. 2nd
version. Issued for a very short time in 1915 and then replaced by the "skeleton" series; probably due to its
small size but maybe also because of its "illegal" use of the Royal Garter, which surrounds the NSW Coat of Arms. It
is a fully die struck badge.
* One of the
Rarest.
The NSW Police, King's Crown, "Commissioned Officer's" cap badge. c 1916. Each badge was diestruck and then each letter was cut out by hand with a jewellers saw; after the initial stamping.
Early, Extremely Rare versions were made of solid, "Sterling Silver". Most of these were hallmarked by Amor and held onto by senior officers
to denote their "seniority", as only "white metal" versions
were issued from c 1926; now Very Rare. From the mid 1930's to c1954, Rare
"chrome plated" versions (as above) were issued. *A one of a kind,
"Gold plated" version was made for Commmissioner Scott (1948-1952).
NSW Police Queen's crown chromed "Officer's" Cap
badge.
Each letter was cut out and finished by hand with a jewellers saw
after it was pressed. Very Rare. c
1953-1972.
NSW Police "skelton" style Cadet chromed cap badge. c 1959-1972. Rare. The NSW Police cadets were an elite corp formed in 1933 by Superintendent W.J.McKay (who became
Commissioner McKay in 1935). Pre 1960, a Very Rare "skeleton style"
set, consisting of a voided "POLICE" and a "CADET" badge, were worn on opposing lapels (instead of numbers).
In the late 1960's, the Scarce oval shaped, black enamel and chrome "Police Cadet" epaulette
badges (pair) were issued.
N.S.W. Police Force. The "Bishop made" cap badge. Introduced: circa
1970. _____________________________
This was the first, issued, version (of now around
18 updated versions) of the current metal, cap and ID badge; issued by the NSW Police
Force. Unfortunately, this first issue looks like it may have been "hand painted" on
a pewter style metal and had thin, wire type lugs; it is now
considered an Extremely Rare badge. There were another 2 Very Rare versions of
these "W.Bishop" made series of cap badges, before the contract was returned to the badge maker "Amor"
(Sydney) in 1971, The designer of the badge was apparently, SGT. Norman A. MERCHANT' (later
an Inspector of the then Scientific Branch) and well known to the author, who originally designed the badge as a logo for
table "name cards", under direction of Commissioner DELANEY, for the 1956 "Commissioner's Conference" ;
and who apparently wanted a more impressive NSW Police Department "logo" to be used. The
"second" issued version of the "Bishop" made badge still looked "hand painted", but was made of
a better looking "chromed" type metal and had thicker "lugs", The "third version" used, what looks
like, "hard - fired enamel" and also looked the "quality" of the current style badge. There
was also an early badge made around this time with the word "Department"; replacing or co-existing with the
"Force" badge.
In c1971, the contract was returned to the Sydney badge maker,
"Amor", (W.J.Amor Pty.Ltd, aka Amor-Sanders until 1996), who began making their own version
of the "curved" cap badge and also started making the first "flat", ID wallet badge, to be used with
the NSW Police Force photographic "Warrant Card" . These ID badges featured unique, 3 screw,
wallet fittings and were fitted over plastic, colour coded rank backings. These earlier badges,
by the original "Amor" badge maker, are now Rare badges.
In 1990, the word "FORCE" was removed from all badges and all insignia; by order of Commissioner
AVERY.
Other makers of this style of badge, in the previous "Force"
and the now obsolete "Police" only, versions over the years, have included: Swann & Hudson,
Cash's and currently, G.A. (Gustav?) Miller's Sydney; who also curiously seem to hold the famous, STOKES BADGES (MELB.) and
PERFECTION trade names (under Custom Badges & Medals PTY LTD).
There was also an Extremely
Rare, and very slightly curved, "Pipe Band" version with three screw lugs and hand numbered,
made by AMOR; specifically designed and made from a separate die, for the Glengarry cap. There is also an
Extremely Rare "mistake" version, with black emamel "fill" (instead
of red) within the N.S.W. State "badge" emblem on an an issued "Force" badge; made by the original "Amor"
(Sydney). UPDATES FOR THIS BADGE: i) In 2002, all
new "NEW SOUTH WALES POLICE" cap and ID badges, made by GA (Gustav)
Miller's Sydney, were "serial numbered" on the reverse. ii) Under the direction of Commissioner K.E. Moroney AO APM, the
NSW Police reverted to the name "NSW Police FORCE" for use on all insignia; from February
1st, 2007. iii) A slightly revised and elongated NEW SOUTH WALES POLICE FORCE cap and ID badge were introduced
in 2008; made by GA Miller's Sydney and "serial numbered" on the back. iv) A prototype, "gold", badge (5) was made in 2010 for evaluation by the NSW Police Force "State
Crime Command", intended for use by DETECTIVES, but has not yet been approved or issued.
Apparently, an unauthorised fake or replica (40) of a "gold", Detective type badge has also
been made, but with incorrect, corporate design, "deviations" and a lighter blue enamel. These
badges may be numbered on the back (0001-0040?) and are not maker marked. Email:
fake@ozbadge.com; if you require any further information or confirmation. v) In June 2011, a shiny gold, N.S.W. "Special Constable", ID badge was apparently
issued to some NSWPF "Security" personnel. It was apparently "recalled" just two weeks later; due to NSWPF "protocol"
disapproving of it.
VI) In 2020, a new DETECTIVE ID badge in a fitted, leather holder was issued by NSW POLICE FORCE. Also in a plain clothes
officer (PCO) version. See: Ozbadge Studio.
VII) An Official, NSW POLICE FORCE DETECTIVE badge, in a RETIRED version was awarded to qualified retirees in January, 2022.
This was the first gold badge issued, using the current insignia.
See more from Ozbadge.
NSW Police Force Pilots Wings. Issued. c 1979. Rare.
(For the Police "Wings" page just click here!)
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Inspector General E.C. Day c 1911.
NSW
Police, Edward 8th, "EVIII R" style cypher Helmet plate. Edward 8th
ruled for only one year in 1936 and abdicated, before being crowned. Probably made locally in Australia. Extremely
Rare.
Note the use of the incorrect, "Queen Victoria" type crown and also the inaccurate cypher. Was this an
earlier, King Edward 7th (c1901) plate, that was "withdrawn", because of the inaccurate cypher and "Queen Victoria" crown? If
so, why would the exact, same mistakes be made on a "later" GvR (c1911) plate (left)? Issued, but not widely,
or for long.
A plaque mounted, untrimmed, "pressing" of the NSW Police "1915" Cap Badge.
A small badge based on the "helmet plate" style designed for use with the
newly issued, WW1, military style, forage caps. Issued for a short time and then replaced by the skelton badges. It was
die struck from un hallmarked silver. and used as an ID badge by Investigations and Intelligence. *One of the Rarest.>
The NSW Police King's Crown Cap badge. Known as the "skeleton"
badge or "anchor" badge was introduced in c 1916. The earlier badges were stamped from SOLID BRASS and "nickel plated"
and were introduced as a cap badge only. They were also utilised as a helmet badge in later years. After the
mid 1930's, they were chrome plated. The cap badge has two
lugs; the helmet badge has three. Most were made by AMOR
(Sydney); some were made by K.G. Luke (Melb.) and were hallmarked. Scarce. c 1916 - 1954.
Some officer's continued to wear these badges after to 1952 to denote their "seniority". Note: The original badges were NOT known to be marked "AMOR"
and should have a rectangular "brace bar" on the back; so be aware of "replicas". Rumour has it that the "patee and orb" above
the crown was removed to denote membership of the "Freemonsary".
NSW Police Queen's Crown "skeleton" chrome plated Cap or Helmet
badge. Scarce. The cap badge has two
lugs with brace bar; the helmet badge has three lugs and a brace bar. c 1953-1972. Note: Be aware of replicas.
An oval shaped, black enamel and chrome "NSW Police" epaulette badge (pair) was also issued. Also
Scarce.
NSW Police "skeleton" style Band cap badge. These badges are hand painted enamel
on a bare, brass metal base. c 1955-1972. Very Rare.
The NSW Police "Junior Trainee" even had a cap badge. There were
only about 18 uniformed "Trainees" in the short time this badge was issued and only 30 badges struck by the Department. Extremely Rare. c1975.
More recently, this style of cap badge and/or ID badge has been used in a "Student Police Officer"
version, a "NSW Police Security Officer" version, a "NSW Transit Police" version, a green enameled " Parking Patrol Officer"
version (see below left) and various NSW Government agencies (using the NSW State Government "Coat of Arms" in the centre);
such as Fisheries and Agriculture Inspectors.
These later, but now mostly obsolete versions, are considered Scarce.
There are also current, "NSW Police / Force Special Constable" cap/hat versions and flat ID wallet version; the
later apparently made by Miller's and normally serial numbered on the back of the badges (not shown). Be AWARE of replicas; flat badges with screw mountings.
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