Cardiff Corporation Tramways
Owner Cardiff Corporation
Took over 1st January 1902 (Cardiff Tramways Company Ltd [horse]) - closed for electrification
Opened 1st May 1902 (electric)
Operator Cardiff Corporation
Took over 10th February 1903 (Cardiff District and Penarth Harbour Tramways [horse])
Closed 19th February 1950
Length 19.51 miles
Gauge 4ft 8½ins
Button description (Pattern 1) Title ('Cardiff Corporation Tramways') in circlet, surrounding arms (shield with three chevrons, surmounted by a crown) all above motto: 'Villa Cardiff'
Materials known Brass
Button Line reference [113/23]
Button description (Pattern 2) Title ('Cardiff Corporation Tramways') in circlet, surrounding arms (red dragon holding a pennant, surmounted by helmet, garlands, Prince of Wales feathers and crest motto: 'Deffro mae'n ddydd' [Awake, it is day]), with goat and hippocamp (mythical seahorse) supporters, all above motto: 'Y Ddraig Goch Ddyry Cychwyn' (The red dragon will lead the way)
Materials known Brass
Button Line reference [None]
Comment The Pattern 1 button is the earlier of the two as the supporters were not granted until 1906; additionally, the Pattern 2 button is the same design - bar the word 'Transport' - as that issued by the later Cardiff Corporation Transport. The heavy wear on the Pattern 2 button probably reflects it's longer life in service (potentially 44 years).