A very rare variation of the small Smethwick & West Bromwich Fire Service cap badge from the 1948 to 1967 era. Two fire stations covering 15 square miles of area & 6 different official issued variations make each limited batch ordered very rare to come on the open market for sale.  I have enclosed a picture of the 6 variations i have in my collection & not counting the all gilt shields & scroll FAKE badge produced by a militaria badge dealer &  badge maker in the 1970's / 80's !
Smethwick & West Bromwich Fire Service was formed in 1948 when the N.F.S ( National Fire Service 1941 to 1947 ) handed back fire control to regional county & county borough fire brigades. Lasting just 19 years....i do not have to tell collectors how rare each variation that exists is, just ask yourselves how many firefighters were employed by this small county borough fire service ? 19 years would not have seen a large turnover & actual issued cap badges, with 6 DIFFERENT VARIATIONS in 19 years. I suspect minimal 50 badge orders of all 6 variations because of costs involved for such a small brigade on a budget !! SIMPLES ;o)
This painted shields variation has clearly been issued & showing the brass through on the chrome lugs, indication of a late 1940's issued cap badge. Also there are obvious paint chips but an original hand painted chrome shields variation no less. The chrome shields centre attached to the standard economy issue, lined Home Office star, both cap fixing lugs intact to the rear of the cap badge.