LOWER RANKS NPD BADGES FROM 1920'S

 By: Dennis Beyer

The picture above is my Collection of Early Newark Badges. They date roughly to 1920. My Goal is to build a Rank Set. I have been working on this for years and still have a long way to go. 

I have the following Ranks: Patrolman, Detective, Sergeant and Lieutenant.

I have assembled them, in an Oak and Glass Case, along with a vintage Newark "Triangle" Patch, a couple of Uniform Buttons, and an Old Blackjack. 

The Badge above is of the correct period as the Sergeants and Lieutenant  shield in this display. The (Patrolman # 316) design is the same as todays' NPD badges, but it also is the same as the shield first issued roughly in 1914. There is no way to determine exactly when this badge was made, but it is an appropriate fit with those pictured in the above display.

The "Detective Shield, #9, is also an appropriate fit with the display. I have accumulated several 1920's Detective Shields and there is no "Blue Ring." That section of the 1920's badge was not given any "paint".  It was all gold finishing. This particular badge appears to have been "updated" by a previous owner by adding the blue paint. If that is not the case then Number 9 would be of post WW II era (and in poor condition vs. just old).

The twin Sergeant Badges pictured below are numbered #20 and #29. The words "Police" and "Newark" are integrated  into the badge, while the rank is stamped into the top panel. Note the difference and its effect on overall wording on these rare shields. They definitely date back to 1920 era.

The Lieutenant Badge #95 is pictured below. It is identical to the above Sergeant badges with the exception of the Rank Panel on top. Those letters are also stamped into the panel with enamel fill.

I consider myself extremely fortunate to have these rare historic badges from Newark and in particular the two Sergeant and single Lieutenant Badges. I have them hanging on a wall in my den where they receive their daily inspection from me.