Designed as a one piece pressed cap badge this Greater Manchester County Fire Service cap badge was the first pattern issued after the 1974 Fire Services Act which merged all the smaller county borough fire brigades into larger regional controlled brigades. Manufactured by London Button & Badge Company the badge lasted only for 2 short years when the brigade changed the badge to the 2nd pattern issued from 1976 to 1985. That badge depicted the Manchester coat of arms & came in 2 variations. This badge is in great condition with no enamel chips & the 2 cap fixing lugs attached to the rear ! Note the small dot to the rear confirming it as a London Badge issue, copies have been reproduced but do not have the small dot to the rear.