East Sussex Fire Brigade was formed in 1948 after The Natiopnal Fire Service disbanded & fire control came under the regional counties & county borough's to administer. The first pattern cap badge of a single crown with no white wave between the crown & birds on the shield was in force from 1948 to 1974. There are 2 patterns of this cap badge being small or larger birds within the shield. The 2nd pattern introduced in 1974 had a white wavy line seperating the single crown from the birds. The 3rd pattern added 3 crowns to the top of the shield when the brigade changed it's title to Fire & Rescue Service in 2004. 

This 1st pattern early cap badge was in force from 1948 to 1974 & is the "larger birds" variation, it has the 2 cap fixing lugs to the rear & the centre is secured by the standard thin brass pin to the economy pressed standard home office star !