The London Salvage Corps was formed in 1865 approximately 20 years after The Liverpool Salvage Corps which had been seen as a success by the insurance companies of Liverpool. They were interested in protecting properties & goods from damage by fire saving them overall on insurance claims & the cost effectiveness that the Salvage Corps cost to run was deemed as a lot less than they would have paid out for insurance. In 1865 John Brookes Johnston ( 1818 to 1896 ) of The Royal Insurance Company in London managed to form The London Salvage Corps by pulling together several London insurance companies to model Liverpool's success. These companies were The Alliance, Sun, Globe, Imperial, Westminster, Royal Exchange, Union & Protector Insurance Companies who all contributed to the running of The newly formed London Salvage Corps who's 1st operation was in January 1866! It was run separately but alongside The London Metropolitan Fire Brigade which changed its title in 1904 to London County Council London Fire Brigade. 

The original manpower consisted of 64 officers & men in 1866 rising to 112 officers & men upon its final disbandment in 1984, the role being taken over by The Greater London Council London Fire Brigade although early indications were that the role was less affective when trained firefighters were given the role of salvage !!

This is the 2nd pattern London Salvage Corps cap badge in force from late 1979/80 to 1984 with enamel centre secured to the home office star, the 1st pattern being gothic intertwinned letters LSC. The badge is in excellent unused condition manufactured by London Badge & Button Company who were official suppliers to The London Salvage Corps & this is a great example of their last batches of this rarer badge being issued for just 4 years before disbandment ! London Badge & Button Co being formed in the late 1960's !