Scarce 1st Issue WWII Royal Naval Patrol Service (RNPS) Badge

ARTIFACT: This is a scarce first issue (19401-1942) World War II Royal Navy Patrol Service (RNPS) badge. The RNPS performed minesweeping and anti-submarine patrols to try and safeguard the shipping lanes that were so crucial to keeping Britain afloat during the war. Designed by George Kruger Gray, the RNPS badge was only one achievement in a portfolio including the University of Western Australia coat of arms used from 1929 to 1963 as well as the colonial flag for Aden, a British subject from 1937 to 1963. Gray's design is a shark harpooned by a marline spike and some mines harvested by fishing nets. The symbolism was to show that the U-boats (shark) were being attacked by the spike (Merchant Marine) and that the mines (the enemy) was being taken care of by resourceful fishermen. The bottom of the badge reads M/S A/S for Mine Sweeping/Anti-Submarine,

VINTAGE: Circa 1940-1942 (World War II).

SIZE: Approximately 1-1/8" in height and 7/8" in width.

MATERIALS / CONSTRUCTION: Plated brass.

ATTACHMENT: Vertical pin T-style with C catch.

MARKINGS: R.G. 837751; very small, unreadable maker mark.

ITEM NOTES: This is from a Great Britain and Commonwealth militaria collection which we will be listing more of over the next few months. TRVAEX13 LAAEX8/13 SAAEX11/18

CONDITION: 8+ (Excellent): The badge has little wear.