WW1 Era Special Constable 22 Police Arm Badge

A "Special Constable 22" arm badge from the First World War is a specific, original police memorabilia item associated with the Wolverhampton Police Force in the United Kingdom during the First World War. The number "22" likely represents the unique identification number or collar number of the individual volunteer within that specific force.

Badge Details

• Origin: This specific badge is identified with the City Police of Wolverhampton, a city in the West Midlands, England.
• Purpose: During the First World War, many regular police officers volunteered for military service, leading to the recruitment of civilians as volunteer special constables to assist with policing on the home front. Arm bands or arm badges were worn to identify these temporary, volunteer officers, particularly early in the war before full uniforms were widely issued.
• Manufacturer: Extant examples of this badge often bear the manufacturer's details: "Hiatt & Co B,Ham" (Hiatt & Co, Birmingham).
• Badge: The "22" is the officer's unique identification number. The design typically features this number with a city emblem (e.g., the Wolverhampton coat of arms) within a crowned circle or similar emblem, attached to a leather wristband.
• Collectible Value: These badges are considered historical artifacts and unique collectibles for collectors interested in police history or items from the First World War. Their value depends on their condition.