Parachute Regiment Cap badge Plastic 'Economy' WW2

Plastic Parachute Regiment Cap Badge

Plastic Parachute Regiment Cap Badge Reverse

Plastic Cap badges were introduced in 1941 during the World War 2, as a result of shortages of metals due to the demands of the war effort. They were mostly made from Bakelite. They were only manufactured during World War 2 so are, in general, rarer than other brass/bi-metal badges of the period. Being made from old plastics they damaged easily and the soldiers did not like to wear them so they would be discarded for pre war badges this also adds to their rarity.
The Parachute Regiment 'economy' badge is silvered and has two brass prongs to the rear as can be seen from the example above. Plastic Parachute Regiment Cap Badge