Marks & Spencer ARP Warden air raid precautions badge

A rare original circa 1939 -1945 wartime period 'Marks & Spencer Air Raid Precautions Warden badge'; large diamond shaped gilt metal example, displaying a pointing hand and inscribed 'WARDEN A.R.P' on blue enamel ground; the reverse impressed with maker's details 'L.SIMPSON & Co LONDON'. Very good condition, complete with original heavy duty pin fittings (tip blunt), no damage to the enamel.
Height approx 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: 63919