RARE "NEWARK" BADGE
BY Dennis Beyer
This is my "Special Newark Badge. Number 33"
Newark you say. It reads SPRINGFIELD. But it was NEWARK first. That's what makes this fine badge - Unique, Rare and Mine.
Give the face of the Badge a close look. In the center you will see the famous Eagle that centers on the Newark Shield. He is just above the number box, which has two pillars framing number 33 inside the Box.
It's doubtful that those are original numbers. They were probably changed to suit the Township of Springfield's needs.
The information that was given to me, is that Newark helped Springfield, by selling the small Township some of the City's Badges to be worn by Township Officers. This took place reportedly in the early 1960's.
Once Springfield took ownership of the badge they ordered a name plate, with their name on it, to be placed over the original letters - N E W A R K. Take a look at the picture of the back of this item. In the top "name panel" the stamped letters show the original lettering.
Today Newark still uses the same shape for their badges. They have done so since 1914. Springfield has moved on having a badge of its' own design, one that is more suitable to its' status as a very nice suburban community just a few miles West of the big city - Newark.
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