The Tyne & Wear Brigade Badge was unique and caused some controversy at the time it appeared. For the first time the silver maltese cross was not used, replaced instead by gold 'fishtails'. These represented the five amalgamated counties.The central boss consisted of a pump impeller with two wavy lines behind, symbolizing the twin rivers of the Tyne and Wear.
The centre 'T over W' motif (Tyne & Wear) was later changed to 'W over T' of the county insignia.
Some later badges were issued in error with the fishtails upside down (division at bottom instead of top), as below.

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