The Badges that I have in the pictured are "defunct." They were issued in the 1960's and a couple even earlier. All lost their "County" identity and authority 30 years ago.
All of these "County" Badges were gifted to me over the years. The last one that I obtained is this beautiful badge from Cape May County Probation Dept.
It is Number 3 alphabetically in my display (I'll get to #1, 2 and so on over next few months). I believe it was made prior to 1960 based upon the coloring on the State Seal. It is quite old.
I am very happy to have this new item in my Collection. It filled a need. Certainly I would love more. Feel free to contact me if you have a Probation Officer Badge from NJ for Sale or Trade. Donations are appreciated also.
It has taken a while for me to shine a light on something other then a badge, but times are changing. I know I am getting older. It has been roughly 60 years since I started collecting police memorabilia. I certainly don't believe it.
Like other Collectors, I have grabbed a few items that are not a targeted NJ Badge, but are Law Enforcement related. In this post you will see, in one shot of the camera, a few items that grace the walls of my den (or museum as I like to call it).
Lets start by looking at the bottom of the picture. It features two old lanterns. The one on the left was made in New York and sold to many police departments in the East Coast. This one used an oiled fueled wick to generate light. Later models had a retractable lens protector, that when opened and shut flashed light forward. Because of that feature it was known as the first flashlight.
The lantern to the right was a an early 1900 battery operated tool in the emergency equipment. It used a bulb in its red dome light, as well as in the forward search light. It was made of aluminum and quite easy to carry. Both of these lights make an interesting complimentary addition to my general theme of badges.
Looking at the center of the picture one will see a flint lock pistol. I was tempted to say antique because of its age, but in reality it is only 60 years old. It is a gun that I made from a kit manufactured by Connecticut Valley Firearms. I thought at one time that I would collect firearms but that was just too costly a hobby.
On the top there is one long nightstick that I used to hang some old law enforcement items that are no longer in use. Dangling down low with a set of wooden handles is a "come-along." This one is made with a mean set of chain links, which when used can inflict major pain (and cooperation). Also hanging are a couple different whistles, handcuff keys, and a large Jail Key.
These items seem to attract the eye of my visitors which I certainly like, but I would prefer visitors focus more on my N.J. badge Collection. Well it doesnt really matter as I do the focusing on a regular basis. So all is well.
Stay safe.
Several months ago we started a Page on Facebook Groups. The official name, in Face Book Groups, is: BADGE COLLECTOR.
The page is fairly new so we are trying to learn as well as show off our Badge Collection. If you have suggestions please make them.
The specific address is listed as:
The above Badge is like a cardiac pace maker. It just makes my blood go strong, my face smile from ear to ear, and my heart pound. I want to yell, "Yes, it's mine"
First of all this is not the current style badge for the DIRECTOR. They do almost look alike, but the difference is at the top. Look under the Eagle and you will see Five Stars. The current badge has Silver Stars. On my badge the stars are Blue.
Still there is more to the Blue Stars. They actually have their blue trimmed with another star running along the edges, and back along the sides, meeting at the center. This is truly a work of art. That makes me think this Badge was made by Buchlien & Sons, some 50+/- years ago.
I got it from another collector who had it for over 20 years. We both believe it was taken into retirement by the person holding the office of Director in the last millennium before entering the Collectors World.
I consider myself very fortunate to have this item in my displays. It certainly will be given the respect that it deserves. Collectors Dream.
These have been in my collection close to 20 years or longer. I have decided to let them go as I have had he good fortune of having another set of the same badges. Those are in display cases and mounted on my wall.
These items are not hallmarked but I believe they were made by Buchlien & Son.
I have them in auction on Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1706870299841551
The Names below were "CREATED by a SCAMMER !!!" Beware of them. Be Sure that the person you are dealing with Is a Real Person, and a Legitimate Dealer.
Please Report any errors observed here so an appropriate correction can be made.
This is: Vol. 2(2025).
Updated on: April 30, 2025
