Sorry, Dave but you are wrong.
Albeit the first issue epaulette was so completely chromed that it was difficult to discern the detail (simply it was TOO shiny), this was easily corrected in future issues
and indeed the design lent itself to also a very presentable (I reckon) lapel badge as worn by Northern Constabularty Community Pipe Band.
There was even an embroidered version of the shoulderbadge - which needed to be simplified to suit, given the size (approximately that of a florin!!)
and the much larger badges look really smart - namely the short-lived wallet/name badge (blue and chrome) , and the Pipe Band Glengarry Badge (black and chrome)
The design, which was retained as shoulder insignia despite the corporate rebranding in 1996, must have been OK, as there's a lot of my former colleagues got quite emotional at having to remove it from their uniforms yesterday.
The design was in use from 1st October 1979 to 31st March 2013 - and of course remains in use by the Community Pipe Band.
Dave
Northern Constabulary officer (from force creation in 1975 to 2003)
Northern Constabulary Community Pipe Band (from Band creation in 2002- 2013, and still gong!)