SPECIAL DEPUTY SHERIFF: SOMERSET COUNTY

This is the Eleventh and final installment on my "SPECIAL DEPUTY SHERIFF'S" collection.

The focus in this post is the above pictured badge from Somerset County, NJ.   Somerset is a fine county with very nice residential areas as well as semi-rural areas.

Pictured above is a 2.25" x 1.25" Badge plated in gold tone. The State Seal is also plated in a goldtone finish. The Seal helps identify the badge's age which I would say is around the 1940-50's.

Engraved around the State Seal in a ring are the words: DEPUTY SHERIFF, SOMERSET CO, N.J. Just above the ring is a panel with the word: SPECIAL. The letters are Black enamel fill.

While this is the last of these badges that I have in this collection there is always hope that others will join the group. If you have one to sell or possibly trade write me at:

jerseychief@gmail.com

 

SOMERDALE BOSSMAN OR THE COMMISSIONER

This is a recent acquisition that I thought would be a fit in my New Jersey Chief's Collection. It isn't a Chief, but in most cases a Commissioner will do.

Prior to purchasing this Badge I never heard of Somerdale. Research shows this town bills itself as "The Crossroads for Southern New Jersey," in Camden County." While I am familiar with that county I still never heard of Somerdale.

The Municipality is but a dot on the map. It is technically a Borough Form of Government. Population is around 5500.

The Community is less then 1.50 Sq. Miles in size should one be interested in this geographical measurement.

The Badge, pictured above, is Blue Lettering on a Gold Tone panel. In the Center there is a State of N.J. Seal. It is about the size of a dime. It has a blue ring with the words: "State of New Jersey" circling the Seal. This type Seal was used in 1940's through 1950's. 

The rear of this item has a Pin and Locking Catch on a solid back. There are no makers marks or other identifiers on this shield.  

Bottomline on this very nice Badge is that it will fit in my Collection, and I am glad to have it. I also enjoy showing it off to Collector friends. Hope you like it.

Scammer List Updated

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 list is: Vol. 2, (2025). Numbering is cumulative. This year starts with number 21.  

Updated on:  Mar 10, 2025

 LAST NAME         FIRST             REASON 

WEST NEW YORK, NJ

This is a very nice badge with a very interesting name: WEST NEW YORK, NJ. It is numbered 1026 and is hallmarked.

It is in very good condition. There is a pin and working clasp on solid rear of item.

I listed at $65 on the following auction site: "https://www.facebook.com/groups/800525531012633". Check it out!

 I recently found this old picture in a forgotten folder and thought I would share it here. Note the Seal on the door of this Vintage Newark Police Car. That is how the Cars with radio Communication were marked. Eventually they all had a marking like this and had a shoulder patch similar to the one posted here. It was marked, like the decal on the car door, "Newark Radio Police." If anyone has one for sale send me a note. I would like to add one to my Newark Collection.

COLD CASE: NEW JERSEY'S FIRST "TRIAL OF THE CENTURY" & STILL A COLD CASE

 

To a lot of people this Town is just a sleepy dot on the map. In reality Somerville is far more then a dot on a map. It serves as the County Seat of Somerset County, N.J.  That's where the Court House is located.  It was there where the "Trial of The  Century" took place - in 1926.

The incident that started this little walk through history took place in Somerset (Franklin Twp.) N.J. It was on September 16, 1922 when the bodies of Rev. Edward Hall, and Choir Singer, Eleanor Mills were found. They were lovers. They had been shot, him once, her three times.

Police from New Brunswick, N.J. (Middlesex Co) were first to respond, only to find they were out of there jurisdiction. Franklin Twp. Police picked up the Case. They found the area around the bodies trampled by the curious. Evidence was removed by those looking for a souvenir. 

The Media took control of the case selling news all across the country.  Looking back, "The case struck a chord, " stated Thomas Miller, Judge Superior Court in an October 2014 article in "My Central Jersey." Miller' s Office  maintains an Exhibit, holding artifacts from the Murder Case, that made Somerville,
"...the Center of the Universe," back in 1926. 


After Two Investigations three people went to Trial at the County Courthouse in Somerville. A fourth was to be tried separately, while  the wife was never indicted.  On November 3, 1926 the trial began. It ended thirty days later after three Jury Votes,  10-2, 11-1,  and then with all 12 in agreement - Not Guilty. 

Following the trial Somerville returned to its  sleepy  nature. Decades passed before someone wore the badge featured in this Post. I estimate it to be 1960 vintage.  When I look at it, it reminds me of some important History that I missed during my career. But owning it has given me a second chance to dig up some old historical facts. Maybe those of us present day Detectives could look for the murderer, as the Case is still open.

The Badge, as pictured, has a Gold-Silver, Wreathed Oval shape. At the top is an Eagle Head, with just below a multi color State Seal. This type of seal came into use in the early 1960's, making the Badge 60 years of age.

The silver-tone panels on this badge, are recessed with black enamel fill.  They read: CHIEF,  SOMERVILLE,  POLICE, N.J.  It  reminds me of an important piece of Jersey my NJ History.

(Thank you for allowing me to share the pictured Badge with the help of a little New Jersey history.)

*****

BADGE SCAM SUSPECTS: Vol 2, 2025

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 begins: Vol. 2, for the year 2025, starting at cumulative number 21.  

Updated on:  Feb 18, 2025

 LAST NAME         FIRST             REASON