Vintage 1950s AA Motorcycle Badge 67199W – Winged Automobile Association Emblem

Vintage 1950s AA Motorcycle Badge – Winged Automobile Association Emblem

10 cm tall

8 cm wide

A wonderfully authentic piece of British motoring history, this original Automobile Association motorcycle badge dates from the mid-1950s and would originally have been mounted to the front mudguard or number-plate area of an AA member’s motorcycle.

The domed, shield-shaped badge features the familiar intertwined “AA” monogram, set over a vibrant yellow-painted backing and surmounted by the distinctive winged Motor Union emblem. Two original mounting holes remain at the base, while the individually stamped issue number reads:

67199 W

The W suffix identifies this as a motorcycle badge from the W–X–Y–Z–A series, officially dated by the AA to approximately 1956–1967. As W was the first suffix in that sequence, this example is likely to be from the earlier part of the period, around the mid to late 1950s. The number was an individual badge issue number rather than the member’s membership number.

The front is also stamped:

> PROPERTY OF THE A.A. NEW COVENTRY ST. LONDON W1

THIS BADGE MUST BE RETURNED WHEN MEMBERSHIP CEASES

This wording reflects the fact that the AA retained ownership of membership badges and expected them to be returned when membership ended—something that naturally did not always happen.

AA history

The Automobile Association was established in London in 1905, originally employing bicycle scouts to help early motorists avoid police speed traps. Membership badges were introduced for motorists in 1906. Following the AA’s amalgamation with the Motor Union, a new badge was created in 1911, combining the Motor Union’s winged “M” with the intertwined AA initials. That striking winged design remained the basis of the AA badge for more than half a century.

By the 1950s, AA motorcycle patrols and motorcycle-and-sidecar combinations had become a familiar sight on British roads, assisting stranded motorists long before the organisation’s yellow vans became dominant.

No separate manufacturer’s name is visible on this example, so it is best described as an official AA-issued badge rather than attributing it to a particular metalworking firm.

Condition

The badge is in genuinely aged, unrestored condition with extensive surface pitting, tarnishing, rubbing and losses to the plated finish. The yellow backing has scratches, marks and small areas of paint loss. Both lower mounting holes are present, although the original bolts or mounting bracket are no longer included. The winged crest remains intact and the stamped lettering and number are still legible.

The wear gives it bags of honest roadside character and makes it particularly appealing for display in a garage, workshop, motoring collection or alongside a classic motorcycle.

Suggested price

£22.00

while cleaner examples retaining their original fittings can achieve noticeably more. Comparable motorcycle badges are currently generally offered in the region of approximately £24–£30 depending on condition and completeness.

Vintage 1950s AA Motorcycle Badge 67199W – Winged Automobile Association Emblem