Saturday, September 20, 2025

DIRECTOR BADGES TOP OFF RANK SETS






Earlier this year I obtained my third Newark Director Badge. I posted a single picture of it a few weeks ago. I was quite proud of that Badge and informed everyone about the "Blue Stars." This was the work of H Buchlien & Co who had the commission to make this badge.

Following that original Post I presented the newest addition along with two other Newark Directors that I have had for decades. I had a thought of making a display of just the three Director Badges, but I ultimately thought putting them with the other rank badges, as pictured above, makes the best sense.

Above you will see two Director Badges, with the Blue Stars, to the Right of the top row. On the bottom row, also to the Right, is the current version of the Director Badge. It is without Blue Stars.

What is most important, as one looks at the Director Badges is to realize that the two rows are Rank Sets. That represents a lifetime collecting and obtaining this fine grouping.

There are perhaps 40-50 years between some of these badges of the same rank. Of course some are much newer. It is the fact that they are a two fine sets that makes me mighty proud.

It goes without saying that these badges are in a wood and glass display that is LOCKED. The case hangs in my Den where, without fail, I view it every day.



     














STREET INSPECTOR, NEWARK

This is one of my "Non Police Newark Badges." It dates back to 1930's or earlier. I like the design, with the City Seal at top of badge under a Reverse Blue Lettered panel. In the middle of the badge is a bold panel with the word: INSPECTOR. Since this is from the "Dept Of Streets" I can only imagine the job duties.. It stands 2.25" tall and as the picture shows is still in good condition. Glad to have it in my collection of Newark items.




Thursday, September 11, 2025

911 - A DAY TO REMEMBER

 911 is a Date we shall never forget. There will be many tributes to those who died in NYC on the Day the World Trade Center's Twin Towers came down as a result of a terror attack.

From my Badge Collection the item below serves as my tribute:




Thursday, September 4, 2025

OBSOLETE COUNTY PROBATION DEPARTMENTS: CUMBERLAND CO

 


This "C" is for Cumberland County NJ. Sorry the picture isn't better, as it is difficult for me to get it out of the Display Case. That case holds my collection of County Probation Departments in the Garden State.

This Badge has an individual's name on the top panel. It reads "E F Henderson."

The N.J. State Seal is at center point. It is an older seal giving the suggestion that the Badge was made in the 1940's to 1960's.

Around the State Seal are the words: Probation Officer, Cumberland County. The lettering is recessed, and black fill enamel which is in very good condition. 

The overall color of this Badge is Gold Tone. It is worn. I am glad to have it nonetheless. It looks good in my Display which has a few holes that need to be filled.

I am searching for Probation Badges from: Gloucester, Hunterdon, Hudson, Passaic, Salem, Warren  Counties. I am willing to trade or buy. Donations are welcome too. If you have one Contact me at: 
 
                                  jerseychief@gmail.com

Friday, August 22, 2025

AIRLINE POLICE, U.A.L. # 53

 


Here is an item that is one Badge that I  always have loved. When I got it I hung it, almost immediately, in a prominent location in my home. It was up on the wall so I could hear those distress calls from the wife:  "Too Many Stinking Badges - Get Rid of Some."

I've been hearing that Battle Cry for 60 years now, but these Badges are: My hobby, and they don't stink, and they're staying ! They bring me memories and that, of course, is what I really collect.

Back to the badge. The Wife found it in a Church sale. She paid $18. That was a good price back then. She got it for my birthday. That made this Badge way more meaningful.

The Badge was on a card with the notes "United - Newark."  I take that to be United Airlines. They were located in Newark, way before the existence of the "New York and New Jersey Port Authority." That gives some idea of the age of this old badge.

It is a smart looking "Sunburst" design, however there is also an Eagle on top. The words on it are clear: "POLICE - U.A.L."  In the number box is # 53. To top it all off it is in excellent condition, just look at the picture.

I keep this one, certainly under glass, in "my museum" where I talk to it every day. Well, almost every day. I sure did today as its' my birthday again, and I said, "Thank You to my Wife" for buying it for me some forty years ago. Now that's a nice memory and it gives license for the Wife to go to as many Church sales as she wants.

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

THE SNOWMAN

    

Monday, August 11, 2025

OBSOLETE COUNTY PROBATION DEPARTMENTS: CAMDEN COUNTY





These four Badges came to me 30+ years ago. I think I did well as I got the Chief's Badge too. A have a very nice memory of the afternoon this Badge was gifted to me.

The silver tone "Officer" Badges were also gifts, but sadly I don't recall receiving them. I still treasure them.

All of these Badges are two inch Sunburst shaped items. Each has a panel at the very top with the words: "CHIEF" or "OFFICER." Around the State Seal are the words: "Camden County Probation Dept."

Two of these shields have a small panel at the bottom. The Officer's Badge has number "56". Guess what number is on the Chief's Badge.

I am still searching for Probation Badges from: Gloucester, Hunterdon, Hudson, Passaic, Salem, Sussex, Warren  Counties. I am willing to trade or buy. Donations are welcome too. If you have one Contact me at:  
                                  jerseychief@gmail.com 



Monday, August 4, 2025

NEWARKS" "TORCH MURDER"

By: Dennis Beyer

The car pictured below is a classic automobile. At first glance I had no idea what make it was, or anything about the MPG rating.

I can tell you that this picture (4x6) is in my collection of memorabilia from the N.P.D. It is dated on the rear "12/25/1922."  That makes this photo an amazing 103 years of age. It is in excellent condition, and apparently got put to use, in the investigation of a murder in Newark, during the late 1920's.

The picture was owned by a Newark Detective, who was assigned to the murder case dubbed "The Torch Murder." That Detective was Morris Kerwin. He came from a family of Newark P. D. Officers.

I have other documents that I believe were part of Kerwin's personal  scrapbook, so that book is the basis of my assumption, that he owned, and used the picture while working this case.  On the bottom, still visible, is the marking that this was a "Replica of Torch Murder Car." I believe it is a Studebaker. To be sure you can run the plate which is still clearly visible.



The document below is a copy of a newspaper photograph, showing a burned out automobile. It was the scene of a homicide near Newark Airport. 

The page was pasted inside a scrap book that belonged to Det. Kerwin. In that book there are numerous newspaper clippings where he is mentioned as one of the Detectives involved with a case, including the "Torch Murder."

Eugene Moran was identified by Newark Detectives as the murder victim. It was determined that he was shot in the head, and then burned beyond recognition in this car fire. When the car was set into a burning blaze it quickly became known as, The Torch Murder Car. The murder date was established as  August 9, 1929.



The last picture (8x10) is an original picture. It looks like it was the source for the Newspaper photo.



Through excellent detective work it was determined that the victim was one Eugene Moran, of Manhattan. Newark Detectives linked Moran to Mobsters located in both New York and New Jersey.

Moran was determined to be an employee of one Arnold Rothstein, a Mob Related Entrepreneur. Rothstein was involved in a gangland dispute with the "Diamond Brothers and their Associates."  This dispute prompted Rothstein to use Moran as a Bodyguard, at $1000 a week!  

In addition to protection, Moran is believed to have been paid $100,000 to do some "hits" on certain gangland members for Rothstein. This led to Rothstein being eliminated in 1928 in NYC.

Moran, in revenge mode took out a few New Jersey mob figures. That work apparently caused a revenge hit on himself in August 9, 1929.

Police naturally would have interviewed Mr. Rothstein. That could not occur as Rothstein was shot, outside the Park Central Hotel in Manhattan.  Rothstein died on Nov 6, 1928. This death, nine months ahead of his Moran's own death, appears to be the motive for the killings likely performed by Moran.

Newark Detectives were able to link the death of Moran to multiple gang related murders that took place in NJ and NY.  While these deaths were stated as "connected" to the Rothstein/Diamond Brothers feud, further investigation stalled as anyone of interest was already dead, or otherwise out of reach of law enforcement.

The pictures of the "Detective Shields" are from the same time period, as the killing of  Eugene Moran, and his boss Arthur Rothstein. They are part of my collection and are both in excellent condition.

Note that there is no color on this gold tone finished badge, with raised letters. There was never a plan to put color on the panels or around the City Seal during the 1920's. A simple gold tone finish was all that was needed back then.

Note the very low numbers on these badges - Numbers 4 & 6.  I certainly wish I had Numbers 1 & 2.  I also would like to report that one of these Badges belonged to Morris Kerwin, but I simply have no idea what his number actually was.

Hope you enjoyed the story and the pictures. They are part of our history.








Monday, July 28, 2025

Sunday, July 20, 2025

TRIPLETS: THREE NEWARK DIRECTOR BADGES


A few weeks ago I displayed my newest Newark Badge. It was a Directors Shield with five "Blue Stars." I was thrilled to have this Badge and related how it was 50 years of age plus or minus. I let everyone know that this Badge was created by H. Buchlien & Son in Newark. They were artists' with their work.

What I did not mention in the earlier Post was that this Badge was my "third" Director's shield. Getting one only took 45 years. Now with 60 years collecting I have "three." 

The newest badge does not have the "Blue Stars." It was made by Blackington Co. Other then the Stars, these badges are triplets by rank. 

I took the above picture thinking that this would make a great display, but I am still thinking about what I want to do. I'll post another story about these badges down the road. For now I hope you enjoy the picture.

Thursday, July 10, 2025

OBSOLETE COUNTY PROBATION DEPARTMENTS: ATLANTIC COUNTY

 



As reported in an earlier Post, I have been collecting Badges from the Old County Probation Departments (in N.J). A substantial majority of these items came into my possession during this millennium. While I have had good luck finding them, I still do not have all 21 County Departments.

When the State assumed the financial cost of the State Judiciary in 1994,  County Judges became NJ Superior Court Judges. All their "County" functions also became State functions. So as of that date there were no more "County" Probation Officers, and their badges became obsolete. That has been their status for the last 30 years.

I started this Collection a little ahead of the State Takeover, and have obtained a nice group; but there is always a couple that are needed to make the set complete. If anyone has one of these old badges contact me for sale or trade. I have a few doubles.

That nice silver tone Badge above is from ATLANTIC COUNTY. It is Number 1 alphabetically in my display. For its age it is in great condition. 

Based on the State Seal at the center of this badge I make the judgement that it was made mid to late 1950's if not earlier. Pin and clasp are in working order. Letters are black enamel fill.

This Badge is a reminder of the great years under county rule. Each department had its own identity, and unique ways of doing their job. But the bill to county tax payers drove the movement for consolidation. The power base moved to Trenton (State Capital), with the local Chiefs now reporting to Court Administrators, who in turn got their marching orders from the "Administrative Office of the Courts" at the State Capital.

The Badges in the display case are my full collection, and the Atlantic Badge is first. I have had it well over 30 years. It was a gift from a friend who, sadly is no longer with us. 

I keep this Collection in a nice Oak and Glass display case. It catches my eye every day, and flashes me a fine memory or two.  I'll post another Badge in a month or so.

Thursday, July 3, 2025

WALKING STICK - NEWARK P.D.

 

 

Remember the movie "Walking Tall?" The Sheriff was a guy named Buford H. Pusser. He was best known for carrying a "big stick." The man served as a Police Officer and Sheriff. He became a one man crusade against crime. 

During his tour of duty Pusser became a folk hero. He was definitely a macho guy, who knew how to use his legendary wooden club. Armed with his Walking Stick Buford became a legendary salesman for Law and Order. 

 In 1964 Pusser (at 26) became the youngest person elected Sheriff of McNairy County, Tennessee. He got a fine looking badge with his name on the top panel. With this title he relentlessly attacked the mob in West Tennessee. 

The Sheriff's stick was more like a small tree. In the movie he carried it to encourage the wayward to walk a lawful path. For his efforts he was shot eight times. If that wasn't enough to seek early retirement he was also stabbed seven times. Guess some people didn't like him.

Bullets and Knives could not kill this guy. Like a man on a mission Bufford Pusser just kept coming at the bad guys. Unfortunately he saw his wife (1967) become the victim of an assassin's bullet that was intended for him. Seven years later a car "accident" finally claimed his life.  

The "walking stick" pictured above is nothing like the one used by Sheriff Pusser in the 1960's. It is smaller. It is older. It is a work of art. This "Walking Stick" was finely crafted from Irish Bog Wood well over a hundred years ago. 

Once cut it was shaped and sized to be part of the policeman's accessories. These Irish Sticks were routinely made for relatives who traveled across the"pond" to find work in the U.S. Many became police officers.  

Wherever there were a large number Irish on a police force one would always find pieces of "equipment" that was made in Ireland. The above pictured walking stick is believed to have made its' way to the Newark Police Department in N.J. There it was used by officers' with rank. 

The original owner of this beautiful stick could easily have been a Brennan, a Donaghy, a Lynch, or an O'Neill. They were all part of the old N.P.D. 

At first glance one may not think too much of this black piece of wood. Careful examination shows it to be a wonderful antique, and a fine piece of police memorabilia. 

The engravings, I am told, have unique meaning. There is a "Shamrock" seems to  offers luck, and well being. There is also a "Harp" that is finely carved near the handle. One can only sense the message it is sending. 

Regardless of the messages, I am sure this "Walking Stick" holds many fine memories, and I am glad to have them in my collection. 

Monday, June 30, 2025

SCAMMERS LIST UPDATED

The Names below created by a Scammer! Beware of them.  Be Sure that the person you are dealing with Is a Real Person, and a Legitimate Dealer.

(Please Report any errors so an appropriate correction can be made.) 

This is: Vol. 2  (2025).   

Updated on:  JUNE 30, 2025

21ANGELOVEMichaelPaid but No Delivery
DETWILLERChrisDidn't Deliver after payment
FALCOCharlineFailed Member Questions
HAMMOCKVernonForged Badges (Fl)
HARRISMichaelFailed to ship badge
JOHNSONWilliamsQuestionable Pictures
LUCASDamienWeak on References,
MARCUSGregFailed to Pay Winning Bid
MOBUTOAdamNigerian Scammer
PRICEJonathanLinked to C.Falco + Profile
PRICERamosIdentity Questions
ROBINSONJudithIdentity Questions
ROYStevenaka Eric Svenske
SVENSKEricProfile & Response Issues
SydaSaniProfile
VAN BURENChrisPictures appear copied
YORKKeishaPictures appear copied
ZABOLTNNYEduardHas profile Issues
40


Tuesday, June 24, 2025

THE HUNT CONTINUES


That's Zachary. He is my Grandson, and in the Coast Guard. I have repeatedly told him to always be looking for badges for me. Usually I get lip service that he has been asking around. Now he says he is going to make a serious hunt for me and sent me this picture to verify his efforts. I appreciate him and the effort. God Bless Him!

Thursday, June 12, 2025

OBSOLETE COUNTY PROBATION DEPARTMENTS: CAPE MAY COUNTY



Since I was a Probation Officer for 33 years it was only fitting that I collect Badges from the 21 different Departments in New Jersey. Each County had its' own Department up to 1994. At that time the State Judiciary took control of these Departments creating a single Agency.

The Badges that I have in the pictured are "defunct." They were issued in the 1960's and a couple even earlier. All lost their "County" identity and authority 30 years ago.

All of these "County" Badges were gifted to me over the years. The last one that I obtained is this beautiful badge from Cape May County Probation Dept

It is Number 3 alphabetically in my display (I'll get to #1, 2 and so on over next few months). I believe it was made prior to 1960 based upon the coloring on the State Seal. It is quite old.

I am very happy to have this new item in my Collection. It filled a need. Certainly I would love more. Feel free to contact me if you have a Probation Officer Badge from NJ for Sale or Trade. Donations are appreciated also.

Tuesday, June 10, 2025

NON BADGE DISPLAY



It has taken a while for me to shine a light on something other then a badge, but times are changing. I know I am getting older. It has been roughly 60 years since I started collecting police memorabilia. I certainly don't believe it.

Like other Collectors, I have grabbed a few items that are not a targeted NJ Badge, but are Law Enforcement related. In this post you will see, in one shot of the camera, a few items that grace the walls of my den (or museum as I like to call it). 

Lets start by looking at the bottom of the picture. It features two old lanterns. The one on the left was made in New York and sold to many police departments in the East Coast. This one used an oiled fueled wick to generate light. Later models had a retractable lens protector, that when opened and shut flashed light forward. Because of that feature it was known as the first flashlight. 

The lantern to the right was a an early 1900 battery operated tool in the emergency equipment. It used a bulb in its red dome light, as well as in the forward search light. It was made of aluminum and quite easy to carry. Both of these lights make an interesting complimentary addition to my general theme of badges.

Looking at the center of the picture one will see a flint lock pistol. I was tempted to say antique because of its age, but in reality it is only 60 years old. It is a gun that I made from a kit manufactured by Connecticut Valley Firearms. I thought at one time that I would collect firearms but that was just too costly a hobby. 

On the top there is one long nightstick that I used to hang some old law enforcement items that are no longer in use. Dangling down low with a set of wooden handles is a "come-along." This one is made with a mean set of chain links, which when used can inflict major pain (and cooperation). Also hanging are a couple different whistles, handcuff keys, and a large Jail Key.

These items seem to attract the eye of my visitors which I certainly like, but I would prefer visitors focus more on my N.J. badge Collection. Well it doesnt really matter as I do the focusing on a regular basis. So all is well. 

Stay safe.

Thursday, June 5, 2025

CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK

 

Several months ago we started a Page on Facebook Groups. The official name, in Face Book Groups, is: BADGE COLLECTOR.

The page is fairly new so we are  trying to learn as well as show off our Badge Collection. If you have suggestions please make them. 

The specific address is listed as:

       https://www.facebook.com/groups/1706870299841551

Saturday, May 31, 2025

LOVE THOSE STARS



The above Badge is like a cardiac pace maker. It just makes my blood go strong, my face smile from ear to ear, and my heart pound. I want to yell, "Yes, it's mine"

First of all this is not the current style badge for the DIRECTOR. They do almost look alike, but the difference is at the top. Look under the Eagle and you will see Five Stars. The current badge has Silver Stars. On my badge the stars are Blue.

Still there is more to the Blue Stars. They actually have their blue trimmed with another star running along the edges, and back along the sides,  meeting at the center. This is truly a work of art. That makes me think this Badge was made by Buchlien & Sons, some 50+/- years ago. 

I got it from another collector who had it for over 20 years. We both believe it was taken into retirement by the person holding the office of Director in the last millennium before entering the Collectors World. 

I consider myself very fortunate to have this item in my displays. It certainly will be given the respect that it deserves. Collectors Dream.

 

Sunday, May 4, 2025

TIME TO CONSOLDATE COLLECTION

 


These have been in my collection close to 20 years or longer. I have decided to let them go as I have had he good fortune of having another set of the same badges. Those are in display cases and mounted on my wall.

These items are not hallmarked but I believe they were made by Buchlien & Son.

I have them in auction on Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1706870299841551

Thursday, May 1, 2025

SCAMMER LIST UPDATED

 The Names below were "CREATED by a SCAMMER !!!"   Beware of them.  Be Sure that the person you are dealing with Is a Real Person, and a Legitimate Dealer.

Please Report any errors observed here so an appropriate correction can be made. 

This is: Vol. 2(2025).   

Updated on:  April 30, 2025

 LAST NAME         FIRST             REASON 

21ANGELOVEMichaelDid Not Deliver after paynent
DETWILLERChrisDidn't Deliver after payment
FALCOCharlineFailed membership question etc
HAMMOCKVernonForged Badges (Fl)
HARRISMichaelFailed to ship badge
LUCASDamienWeak on References, questionable seller
MARCUSGregFailed to Pay for Winning Bid
MARCUSGregNon Payor - Doesnt respond
PRICEJonathanLinked to C.Falco + Profile
ROBINSONJudithID in question, profile, foregn link
ROYStevenaka Eric Svenske
SVENSKEricProfile & Response Issues
SydaSaniProfile
VAN BURENChrisPictures appear copied
ZABOLTNNYEduardHas profile Issues
PRICERamosIdentity Questions
JOHNSONWilliamsQuestionable Pictures
Last Updated April 30, 2025

Monday, April 14, 2025

SEARCHING FOR MORE BADGES



My Wife says I have enough Badges in my Collection and need to "downsize." I told her I would, but also sneaked a couple new Badges here and there. I never stopped asking friends and family to be on the lookout for badges in their travels. On occasion I was rewarded.

A few weeks ago my Grandson was sent to California for duty relating to the forest fires in that State. He is in the US Coast Guard (National Strike Force). Naturally I sent him an Order to: "Hunt for Badges." He sent me this picture, and claims he searched high and low for Badges, but couldn't locate anything for me.

Well He is safely back home, and I am still telling the Wife that I am downsizing, while on the hunt for more Badges continues - especially from New Jersey.

 

Monday, April 7, 2025

SPECIAL DEPUTY SHERIFF: CAMDEN

 


The picture above is a new addition to this collection. It came to me all the way from Kentucky where I obtained it from a longtime collector in the Lexington area. It becomes the 12th badge in this collection of: "SPECIAL DEPUTY SHERIFF"S."

The original home of this fine badge was Camden County N.J. This county is know primarily for the City of Camden. That is the County Seat and location of the Sheriff's Office. This is a high crime area for sure, but it is also surrounded by some nice locations like Cherry Hill, or along the Delaware River.

The River played a major role in this county's history. Camden was a major ship building location. During World War II this industry reach its peak building ships for the War effort, including Air Craft Carriers, Battle Ships and Light Cruisers.       

This badge measures 2.5 inches by 1.5 inches. At the center point is a multicolor New Jersey State Seal. 

The overall color of this badge is gold tone. It has recessed, black enamel filled lettering. It reads: Sheriff's Dept, Special Deputy, Camden County. 

I always hope to find other "Special Deputy" Badges to join my collection so If you have one to sell or possibly trade write me at:

jerseychief@gmail.com                     

Sunday, March 23, 2025

SPECIAL DEPUTY SHERIFF: SOMERSET COUNTY



This is the Eleventh and final installment on my "SPECIAL DEPUTY SHERIFF'S" collection.

The focus in this post is the above pictured badge from Somerset County, NJ.   Somerset is a fine county with very nice residential areas as well as semi-rural areas.

Pictured above is a 2.25" x 1.25" Badge plated in gold tone. The State Seal is also plated in a goldtone finish. The Seal helps identify the badge's age which I would say is around the 1940-50's.

Engraved around the State Seal in a ring are the words: DEPUTY SHERIFF, SOMERSET CO, N.J. Just above the ring is a panel with the word: SPECIAL. The letters are Black enamel fill.

While this is the last of these badges that I have in this collection there is always hope that others will join the group. If you have one to sell or possibly trade write me at: