WW2 H.M.V Records 1940, (His Master's Voice), lapel badge

Coloured enamel on brass lapel badge showing H.M.V (V) 1940.

HMV is the record company (His Master's Voice), and this is a Second World War home front badge  war service badge for workers at HMV's factory.

• Who wore it: Staff at the HMV factory in Hayes, Middlesex, which made radio equipment for the forces while still producing gramophone records, mostly patriotic ones. Most of the factory's wartime output switched to military radio production, so wearing a badge like this showed you were doing essential war work, not avoiding service.
• The design: A light blue centre with a "V" for victory, "H.M.V." and the date 1940, set inside a red, white and blue target.
• The back: The 2175 is the individual issue number, so each worker's badge was unique and traceable. The maker's mark looks like Thomas Fattorini Ltd of Regent Street, Birmingham.