UNION TOWNSHIP, NJ - RANK SET FROM 1950'S

Below is a near "Rank Set" from Union Township, N.J. The "Chief's Badge" is missing. Anyone have it?  I'm willing to buy it.

One of the reasons I collected these badges is I grew up very close to this Town. During my younger years I bowled at the Four Seasons Bowling Alley on Rt 22 & Chestnut St. That name might ring a bell as it is the name taken by the "Four Lovers"  when renaming their singing group.

These badges are from the 1950's and all are of the same shape with the exception of the Detective Badge # 682. It is from late 70'to early 1980's. It was not popular with the officers and was replaced with the current NY Style Detective Shield. Note the NJ State Seal just under the Eagle. It's smaller then a dime and looks like it was an after thought.

 

The "Detective # 6" is part of the 1950 Set. It is the same shape and is in good condition. Note NJ State Seal at center point. I like this much better then the previous one above.

Only ten "Captain Badges" were made. On the rear of this shield are the number 1/10 so I conclude that this is # 1. I have placed a picture of the Rear of this badge. You will have to enlarge it to see the various markings. The maker is "Bessinger" of Newark, NJ and that name is just above the top of the Pin and to the left. The numbering 1/10, is just below top of pin,  and to the Right

The Lieutenant Badge looks its age. I'd say it is in fair to satisfactory condition. Actually the Blue lettering is still in very good condition. On the Rear of this badge is the makers name: H Buchlein.

The next Badge is the Sergeant's shield. It is in good condition, but has minimal wear on lettering. The rear of this Badge shows that it too was made by: H Buchlein. This is either newer or had the Seal replaced with a multi color State seal from the late 60's.

The picture below is a Patrolman Badge and it too is from the 1950's. It carries the #5 in number box and seems to be a replacement for original. There is no makers marl on this item.

The last picture in this post is of the 50's "Special Police". The badge is of the same shape as the others, but has a "silver tone finish" that is in great shape. The badge is numbered # 548."

OBSOLETE COUNTY PROBATION DEPARTMENTS: MORRIS

The above Badge is from Morris County. I have it in my Collection of Pre State Take Over of The 21 County Probation Departments. It has been in my Collection for just about 30 years.

The Badge is made of several "parts" or panels. They contain the words: Probation,  Officer,  Morris Cty,  NJ.  These letters are black fill enamel and have some wear. The Gold Tone plating is still in good condition.

My understanding is that this Badge was an unauthorized private purchase. I show it with the other counties represented in my collection because it looks good. I also have a Rank Set of genuine County Probation Officer Badges that I am not able to upload at this time. Look for them down the road. 

AMERICAN POLICE HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM

A few months back the wife and I had the occasion to visit Cocoa Beach, Fl.  We had a week at a nice hotel directly on the beach looking at the Atlantic Ocean, the Sun, and the Sand. One day there was no Sun or Sand to enjoy so we took a little ride to the American Police Hall of Fame & Museum. It was years since our last visit and gave us another nice day despite the weather. The building above is the museum pictured from the parking lot.

One of the first displays that you see after paying your ticket (yes there is a law enforcement discount) is a series of old Police Cars. This Black & White is a 1956 Ford in mint condition.

This is a 9-11 display. The twin towers list the names of fallen officers. At the base are remnants of rubble from the two buildings, concrete, rebar, and a piece of the airplane that crashed into the buildings's side.

 

The colorful circle at the base contains the patches from New York City Police, The NY-NJ Port Authority Police and the NYC Fire Dept. 

Below is a close up of several names of officers who perished that day. One name was a friend.

This display is simple, but an extremely emotional reminder of the terror attack on our Country on September 11, 2001.

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I am not sure if this was Lady Liberty, but I did like that she was holding the Red, White & Blue. That lifted my spirits.

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There are many fire arms displayed in the museum. This reminded me of one that I used to own so naturally I had to take this picture.

Over on the right is a reconstructed jail cell for two tenants.

Underneath is a Bad Dude (me) getting his new Prison attire. I decided to keep my Florida shirt and move on.

                                       *****                                            In another section of the Museum there are historical pieces of the means of Execution.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Above is an Electric Chair. You can sit in it for a picture. It's safe as it is not plugged in. I chose not to sit.

The picture to the right is the 

GUILLOTINE.

It is a quite quick and efficient method of carrying out an execution. The blade is sharp and weighted to complete the job in a single movement. Note the basket used to catch the fallen head.

The picture, to the left and below are methods of Restraining Prisoners.

To the left is  a Chair with Wheels. The prisoner was secured to this device and then wheeled to wherever he was needed.

The Stocks is the subject of the picture below. There are no wheels on this device as the prisoner was not intended to go anywhere. He just stood with his/her head and hands in the appropriate holes and locked in place.

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The next two pictures here show a blend of old technology and newer tech.

The yellow machine is a robotic bomb defuser operated by the officer, in the heavy outfit, to the rear. If you see him run then you better run too.

The thing below is a lantern used by police officers, and others back in the day. It is the forerunner of the "flashlight."  The models that followed the pictured item had a retractable cover over the lens. A squeeze of a handle control opened the cover and allowed light to flash out - hence flashlight.

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The visit here was a nice diversion from the (absent) Florida Sun. I enjoyed it and worked up a good appetite for some cold shrimp and beer. You got to try it.