ERROR BADGE - JEWETT CITY

This was one of a few purchases I made at the Orlando Show on Sep. 1, 2018. I think it is an "error badge." I didn't pay much, and I thought it would be cool to do some Research, as I was curious about JEWETT CITY, NJ.

I like badges from New Jersey, that have the "Identical Shape" as the badge pictured above . Often I will haul a very large display case to a show letting everyone see my "60 plus" Municipal Police Badges, same shape, all obsolete, and all beautiful. 

When a fellow Collector offered this badge to me for a small amount, I made the buy.

Immediately I googled "Jewett City" and I came up with a "section" in Jersey City with that name. I thought, "Maybe this badge is going to have a home with me.".

When I got home I discussed this badge with some friends from Hudson County. Sadly they never heard of it, and my search throughout NJ ended as a Negative.

I did try surrounding States later on. Sure enough, there was a Jewett in New York, and a Jewett City in Connecticut. The first one has a population under 900. The second has a population of 3500, and technically is not a "City."  It is a "Borough." There does not appear to be a Police agency in either Community, so it is unlikely the Badge was intended for officers in those locations. 

My conclusion is, this Badge, when made, may have been intended as a "Sample Badge." The Center Seal (N.J.) was just an add on.   

I will place this badge with some "unique badges" that I have, until someone wishes to purchase it. It would be nice if a Collector of Connecticut Badges had some interest. 

TOP COP COLLECTION: ROSELLE, POLICE DIRECTOR

TOP COP COLLECTION: ROSELLE,  

POLICE DIRECTOR

ROSELLE is a Town in Union County, New Jersey. This item was carried by the POLICE DIRECTOR.

This is another Badge that uses the New York Captain design. I guess I am not the only one that loved that shape.

It is part of my TOP COP COLLECTION. As such it fits very nice with the other badges that are marked "Chief." The difference in the titles is simply political, and that is an area I will stay away from.

While I have had this badge since before I retired (20 years now) I don't recall very much about Roselle. I do remember going to a Restaurant called the Drop Zone and that was a lot of fun.

The "DZ" was near the business district and had great Italian Food. It was owned by a war veteran from the Newark area, and his wife who was an Iranian Muslim. She was a strict believer so she would only take your liquor order, and have someone else bring it to you. Her husband was not known for his attire or social skills often required everyone to stand (or be thrown out) to sing "God Bless America." That still makes me feel great and wish there were more places like the "DZ" today.

Back to the badge and its' particulars. It is a one piece blank with stamped recessed letters and blue fill. A NJ State Seal is affixed to the center of the badge after plating. The Seal is one that was in use in the 1940's and earlier up to late 50's. That would make this Badge at least 70 years of age.

One last look at it and I feel a little hungry. No lunch from the "DZ," but I'll get something. I guess food is what this beautiful piece of history will remind me of when I take my daily look at all in my Top Cop Collection where it is protected under lock and key.