BEA Airline gilt metal and felt cloth hat badge

A scarce original circa 1950's 'British European Airways sew-on hat badge'; gilt metal convex example bearing 'BEA' logo within a laurel wreath surmounted by a 'Astral Crown', applied to black felt backing by four pairs of blades, the reverse with stiffened rope backed lining. Very good used condition.
Height approx 56mm.

'British European Airways' was formed in 1946, BEA and BOAC merged in 1974 to become British Airways.