*British, WWII, Royal Air Force (RAF) Economy Issue Cap Badge, A. Stanley & Sons (Walsall) – Black Plastic*
A genuine Second World War RAF economy-issue cap badge, moulded in black plastic/compressed fibre as part of the Air Ministry’s 1940–42 non-metallic insignia programme. The badge displays the classic RAF monogram within a laurel wreath beneath the King’s Crown, crisply formed with good detail and the correct matte wartime finish. The reverse is clearly stamped “A. STANLEY & SONS, WALSALL”, together with mould coding “101B-2-1” and batch mark “T-2”, all of which are consistent with official wartime production. The original brass slider is still present, firmly attached and showing only light age wear.
Historical Note: By late 1940 the RAF, like all British services, faced serious shortages of brass and copper. To conserve strategic metals for aircraft production, a wide range of uniform items—including cap badges—were produced in plastic, fibre, or Bakelite. These “economy issue” badges were worn throughout the war by airmen and NCOs and are now collected as classic examples of wartime austerity manufacture. A. Stanley & Sons of Walsall were one of the principal suppliers, and their moulded badges are among the more desirable variants due to their distinctive crisp casting and clear markings.
*Condition* Good wartime condition with honest service wear to the edges and high points. Reverse stamps clearly legible. Brass slider secure with minor age toning. No cracks or repairs. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
