Marks & Spencer ARP fire officer air raid precautions badge

A rare original circa 1939 -1945 wartime period 'Marks & Spencer ARP Fire Officer's badge'; large gilded brass diamond shaped example displaying gold and white lettering with flaming grenade on red enamel ground (possibly Chief Fire Officer), the reverse impressed with maker's details "L.Simpson & Co London". Very good condition, complete with original pin fittings, enamel with nick to lower point otherwise perfect, glt finish remains bright.
Height 52mm.

Marks & Spencer established its ARP service in July 1939, each store having a Chief Warden, Wardens, Fire Officers, First-aiders and Storemen, each with a distinctive badge of diamond shape but with a separate colour and symbol for each service.
See: 'Doing Their Bit' by Jon Mills.

Code: 58537