Chinese Treaty Ports - Shanghai Municipal Police Bullion Cloth Blazer Badge

A scarce original pre 1943 period 'Shanghai Municipal Police blazer badge'; large silver wire eight pointed star mounted with gilt wire strap inscribed 'Shanghai Municipal Police'; the centre with multi coloured woven flags of the nations represented in this International Settlement, set on the motto 'Omnia juncta in uno' (All joined together into one), the reverse with partial brown paper backing. Good condition but with minor age wear. Also not all of the small flags are a good representation of the nations, the USA flag is in the wrong colours and silver has been used in place of yellow on a few others but this is typical of hand embroidered items. Circa 102 x 108mm. Rare.

It would make a great centre-piece if you are unable to find the extremely expensive hallmarked and enamel officer's helmet plate.

The Shanghai International Settlement originated from the 1863 merger of the British and American enclaves in Shanghai, in which British and American citizens would enjoy extraterritoriality and consular jurisdiction under the terms of unequal treaties agreed by both parties. These treaties were abrogated in 1943.

Renfrew et al, Vol 1 No 984 refers (for the matching officer's helmet plate of similar size) and the blazer bullion badge is displayed in Vol 2 as item 2100.

L4

Code: 69542