WW2 Period English Hallmarked Silver ARP Badge - Long Pin Ladies Version - 1938

Here on offer is a WW2 period English hallmarked silver ARP badge, which is the rarer “long pin” ladies version and dates to 1938.

The front depicts the Crown and ARP initials and the reverse retains its original long pin and “C” clasp that where made in far fewer numbers than the common lapel pin versions.

On the back there is also a full and clear set of English hallmarks, the Lion passant that certifies sterling silver (925), the Leopard's head for the London Assay Office and the date letter “C” for the year 1938.

There is also a maker’s mark:

J.C

Which I believe is the initials for the silver maker, Sir John Herbert McCutcheon Craig (1885-1977) - Deputy Master and Comptroller of the Royal Mint from 1938. These initials are often misidentified as Jacques Cartier, the J.C. hallmark in a lozenge with top corners cut is a specific hallmark to the Royal Mint; found only on “C” and “D” dated ARP badges.

Some history about the ARP

Air Raid Precautions (ARP) were organised by the national government and delivered by the local authorities. The aim was to protect civilians from the danger of air-raids.

In September 1935, four years before WW2 began, British prime minister, Stanley Baldwin, published a circular entitled Air Raid Precautions (ARP) inviting local authorities to make plans to protect their people in event of a war. Such plans included building public air raid shelters.

In April 1937 the government decided to create an Air Raid Wardens' Service and during the next year recruited around 200,000 volunteers. These volunteers were known as Air Raid Precaution Wardens.

Their main purpose of ARP Wardens was to patrol the streets during blackout and to ensure that no light was visible. If a light was spotted, the warden would alert the person/people responsible by shouting something like "Put that light out!" or "Cover that window!".

The ARP Wardens also reported the extent of bomb damage and assess the local need for help from the emergency and rescue services.

They were responsible for the handing out of gas masks and pre-fabricated air raid shelters (such as Anderson shelters, as well as Morrison shelters), and organised and staffed public air raid shelters. They used their knowledge of their local areas to help find and reunite family members who had been separated in the rush to find shelter from the bombs.

There were 1.4 million ARP wardens in Britain, most of who were part time volunteers who had full time day jobs.

The badge is in excellent undamaged condition.

It measures is 1.6” (3.9cm) high and weighs 8.5g.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.

Many thanks for taking the time to look.

Code: 51819