HAT BADGE #652

A while back I wrote about my collection of Newark Hat Badges prior to 1914 when the current Hat Badge was introduced. The items in my collection are oval in design and are known, in the trade, as "Newark Ovals." 

For the longest time I used these badges to trim other badge displays. I would put an "oval" in each corner with the center reserved for the badge I wanted to focus on. This worked nice for a number of years, although my wife really isn't impressed with my display techniques. She is learning however. 

As I acquired more and more "Ovals," I thought I have enough to make a display of just these interesting badges. As you can see I placed them in "number" order. At the top is number "2." That is quite a cool item, but I sure do wish I had number "1."

The highest number in this display is "700."  If you're thinking of desirable numbers, then, this item is very unimpressive. The other numbers range from "93" to "511."

My goal now is to find #1, and maybe a few more so I can expand this display. I found one during the last year, and, as you can see from the headline, I am giving it quite a bit of attention. It is number "652"

Well you say, "That's close to "700," so what is so impressive about it?"

Take a good look at the picture. You will see that the "N.P.D. Hat" comes with the badge. Check the pictures below.
    

Naturally, I would want an old police hat to put in my collection, but this one is super nice. First, it just is a Rare Old Police Hat, which I just love. Even my wife was excited when she saw it, begging the question "Where are you going to put that?" 

Second this Hat is not only a fine looking antique, it is from my favorite Police Department - Newark, NJ. Last the Hat has its' original hat badge still in place. It is number "652." It is affixed to the Hat by wire extended through two open posts coming from the rear of the badge.

The wife was right when she expressed her concern on where to display my Hat. She suggested (not really), "Hobby Lobby" as a source for a display box. I found the perfect fit for this hat, when I purchased a glass Basketball Display Unit. 

With the display unit, I can protect my Hat, display it with Respect, and see it every day. We (me) are sure proud to have this item and to display it with my other memories. 

ANOTHER YEAR, ANOTHER BADGE

Well we have another year (2016) in the books. I made it !

I had a decent 2016. No major health issues. I guess that's because I visit the doctor every day ( seems that way even if not true), and my wife wont't let me eat. It seems like all food is bad.

During 2016 I managed to obtain a couple of NJ Marshal badges to help build that collection. I don't know of anybody else who collects this type of badge which was the forerunner of the police department for the communities involved. I have learned that with the creation of the Borough Form of Government many smaller communities elected to handle their public safety concerns by hiring "Marshals." I have around 25 badges now from whatever the number of communities that are in this category.  The picture below shows them off as a display group (that means the picture isn't a good close up). In 2017 I'll keep my eye out hunting for these items and try to add to this collection.

During the year I did manage a trip to Ireland  where I met two Garda (Police) Officers, who like me are members of the International Police Association. They gave me special attention which I certainly enjoyed and added a little something for me to display. The picture below (no complaints as it is a better picture then the other one) shows some of the items given to me during my stay in Dublin.

Of course I hunted for Badges from Newark. The wife likes this group the best as the pickings are few and far between. I do get some every now and then, and did get lucky near the end of the year. I have a few things to do before a I show these prizes here. I can't wait to write about them.

So it looks like I have some work to do in 2017. I wish you all good health and good pickings.

HAPPY NEW YEAR