The picture below shows the 16 "Special's" that I have. I have accumulated them over the last 50 years. I gave them a lesser priority in my badge collection, as you know, I was focused on the "City of Newark". That said, these "Special Deputy Sheriff's Badges" are quite interesting.
New Jersey has 21 Counties so quick math reveals I do not have a "Special" from each county. I have some doubles which also has an impact on the Goal of one from each County. The Bottom line is, I would be interested in purchasing additional "Special Deputies" for the Counties I am missing. Hopefully I can make a set of all 21 counties.
The people who carried these badges were not real members of the Sheriff's Department. They were "Honorary Deputies." In some cases they had certain (special) powers granted or extended to them by the local Sheriff - hence the word and title "Special."
The word Honorary usually translates to "Friend," "Relative," or perhaps "Contributor." The County Sheriff would distribute these badges, along with an "ID Card," listing the person as an Honorary or Special Deputy. The practice of having this type of Special Deputy (I believe) ended over 40 years ago. Based on that, I estimate that these badges are 40 -60 years of age.
I am going to show these badges individually over the next few months (gives me something to write about). They will appear in the order shown in the above picture.
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Contact me if you have a "Special Deputy" for sale or trade:
jerseychief@gmail.com
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