This old badge is number two in my "Municipal" collection. It is "B" as in Bloomfield, NJ. It is a fairly old badge, but in very nice condition.
The Town of Bloomfield is in Essex County. One of my ancient relatives was a Cop in this community. He rode a motorcycle, and even gave me a ticket. Needless to say this badge was not his.
I spent a good deal of time in this community having friends, and relatives, who say this is "Home." I went to college here, and later had the thrill of working here. It was nice back then (mid 80's). I think the place is holding its own today, but one friend claims he is paying taxes for the entire community. That is an exaggeration of course, but ten grand a year. Wow!
Today there are approximately 45 to 50 thousand residents. For the most part they behave. Of course that is because of their very good police force. Thanks to them my friend can safely drive to work and earn enough to pay those taxes.
Back to the badge. It was a donation from a friend. He gave this one to me over twenty years ago. Naturally I have given it good care, and today have it in a nice glass case in my Den.
The item is a traditional shape with an Eagle on the top. There is no State or Municipal Seal at center point, but there is the number 27.
There are recessed letters with black fill over silver tone plating. This badge gives me some fine memories of a "Township" that played an important role in my life. I am proud to have it my collection.
A couple of months ago I was trying hard to stay out of trouble when I noticed an email from someone who's name I did not recognize. I was reluctant to open it, but finally said, "Why not." The sender identified himself as the Sheriff of McIntosh County, Oklahoma.
My first impulse was to, "deny, deny, deny".
As I read his email I realized this was really a nice moment. He found my email because of this blog, and thought he might enlist my help to identify a badge belonging to a young lady in his County. He included a picture with his inquiry.
As soon as I saw the Seal I knew this badge was from Trenton, NJ. It was old - VERY OLD.
The Sheriff explained that this Badge was found in "...a Lenna, OK cotton field in approximately 1960. It had been buried and was turned up by a breaking plow while getting the field ready for planting." The family of the individual who found this badge has maintained possession of it since that date - fifty plus years !!!
I believe the item is much older, perhaps late 1800's to early 1900's.
There is a lot of sentimental value for the family that has is it. I suggested they to place it in a nice case, with a glass front, and hang it in a prominent location for daily viewing and appreciation.
I too appreciated seeing this bit of history from a City that was once our National Capital. Certainly the nice hand written note that was sent to me, along with the fine patch pictured above, was deeply appreciated and have become part of my treasures.
