This small county borough fire brigade boasted 2 (two) separate cap badges for the post 1948 period leading up to its demise in 1974. There were also variations of the 2nd pattern “shield & scroll” cap badge, both chrome & gilt enameled versions with the gilt variation having 3 (three) known varieties!

Originally formed in Victorian times 1888, Just 1 (one) fire station covering 14 (fourteen) square miles, there are’nt many original cap badges in circulation for such a small fire brigade as Exeter City. Those that come on the market command higher prices because many are already in private collections. Younger & newer collectors, the demand has grown & these Exeter City Fire Brigade cap badges are all sought after, the variations also in par with Coventry, Smetwick & West Bromwich, Walsall i.e very small borough fire brigades & obvious variations with the cap badges they wore!

With 3 different cap badges & certain rare variants, the Exeter Fire Brigade is interesting to fire cap badge collectors. (see pic of 3 main Exeter’s & a rare variety with black castle door).

 This 1st pattern post WW2 (World War 2) Exeter Fire Brigade cap badge issued from 1948 is a “red ring” variety, unsure of the manufacturer but Gaunts or Firmins of London. It displays the standard economy issue home office star with the correct enamel centre, short brass lugs fixed to the rear via a chrome thin pin. Much of the gilt patina is present although some chipped enamel. A rare cap badge still the same & a method of restoring chipped enamel is by applying the correct colour of women's red nail varnish, something which many collectors use to restore chipped enamel on a rare fire brigade cap badge !