This badge is going in my Newark Unique Badge Collection. It is old. It is in pretty good condition. It is definitely cool.
Leave it to Newark to have issued a badge for the "Telephone Operator." That is just what they did. From the looks of it this item dates back to the 1930's.
It is a badge that is built over a Sergeant or Lieutenants badge. The necessary changes were accomplished by adding two panels to the original version of the badge. The top new panel reads "Telephone" and the bottom "new" panel reads "Operator." The number 22 is also picked up on this panel.
The sections of the badge that read "Police" and "Newark, NJ" are part of original badge. The letters are stamped into position from the rear.
In the center of the item is a Seal from the City of Newark. It looks to be set on the badge prior to plating.
This particular shape badge was rendered obsolete in mid 1950's.
Little else is known about it, but it seems worthy of display. I think I will keep it, along with the other 28 unique items from Newark.
