2026 HAS ARRIVED !!!

 HAPPY NEW YEAR

TO

MY FAMILY & FELLOW

BADGE COLLECTORS

HAVE A GREAT 2026

***

MEMORIES OF MY FATHER

As I search my mind I do recall several memories of my Dad. Looking through my Collection of Newark Memorabilia  I see a couple of pieces that jolt that gray matter on a daily basis.

I will address one memory that reminds me of those nights I tried to do homework, with my Dad nearby practicing  his clarinet in the next room.

What a screech came from that instrument. This was the basis for opposing viewpoints. Dad did not appreciate Duane Eddy and his rebel sound.  I thought Dad's clarinet had a twangy sound, and that caused us to have  many sound discussions.

My father was more into music for marching bands. He loved the sound of John Phillip Sousa. I kinda liked that sound too, but I could never say so.

Dad joined the Newark Police Band around 1940. He remained a member of the Band until City Budget Cuts forced its' disbandment in the mid 1950's. At the time my father was the Commander of the Newark Police and Fire Band. He is in the middle of the pictured three Band Officers. The top picture is the Band around 1940.

During his command the Organization performed for our Veterans, and marched in various parades in multiple different cities. One year, in Asbury Park, NJ my Dad hired a professional Twirler to march directly in front of Drum Major. That gave the Band a great new look, and yes I did appreciate that.

The badges shown in this post are a Very Rare set. They look identical, but if you read them closely you will see one badge is marked "Police," but the fraternal twin badge is identified as "FIRE."

I recall my father had a brown paper bag stored in our attic. I checked it out one day and saw it was nothing of great interest. It was just about a dozen or more Police & Fire Band badges. As I look at the two in my collection I think I changed my mind about viewing these badges as "nothing of great interest."

Almost daily these fine badges kindle memories of Newark, My Father, and the NEWARK POLICE & FIRE BAND. So you see these badges serve a Collectors Purpose and a deep Personal Purpose. 

OBSOLETE COUNTY PROBATION DEPARTMENTS: MERCER

This Badge is a beautiful gold tone Sunburst Design. It  is from  Mercer County Probation. This item is a nice fit in my collection. I have had it for over 25 years.

It is identified as the "Chief's Badge" with the # 1 on the small panel on the bottom.

This Badge is in excellent condition and looks like it was just made. It certainly belongs in this collection. The "County" is identified and stands out in Blue Enamel filled letters as "Mercer County".

Even though this is a "County" Badge it uses a State Seal. The use of the Multicolor State Seal on these badges started in the late 1960's.

As noted in earlier posts I collect "County" Probation Officer Badges, so if you have one that you would like to move on please contact me:       jerseychief@gmail.com

A Note From Our Family

Dennis with his prized possession -- The Newark Star

From our family, I am heartbroken to share that Dennis passed away early on November 23. We were fortunate to be with him, listening to the stories behind his collection and a playlist of songs that meant almost as much to him. We take comfort in knowing he has found peace.

This blog, his collection, and the community he built around his hobby meant so much to him. Thank you for your contributions and shared enthusiasm. It brought him such joy and kept him going.

Please enjoy the remaining posts that he scheduled out a bit into the future to keep the blog going. And once again, thank you all for being such an important part of his world. 👼🏼 🙏🏻

HUMOR: "CALL FOR BACK UP"

 

Every now and then there is a cartoon that brings on a smile. My Mom was tough on me, and used a rolling pin quite effectively. Thank God those things were banned! No way would I even consider arresting her. With that thought in mind enjoy the humor below.

OBSOLETE COUNTY PROBATION DEPARTMENTS: HUDSON

I put this Badge in my collection. It's a bit of a reach as an authentic piece, but here it is. I count it as "Hudson County" in my Collection. 

Technically this is not a "Probation Officer" Badge. It is however a "Senior Investigator" Badge, which was a title used in the Probation Department.

This is the only Badge (pre 1994) that I have seen that shows the employer - "Superior Court" on a Badge. It looks impressive.

The name of the county appears on the large lower panel. It reads: Hudson County. At center point is a multicolor State Seal.

I estimate that this Badge was made in the 1980's and was an "off the books" personal purchase item. I doubt it was authorized. I'll keep it though, and just note for the Record: this item is not a strong fit in my collection.

If anyone has a pre 1994 Probation Officer Badge, and is willing to sell it, please contact me at:  jerseychief@gmail.com

 

buffalo gun

In addition to collecting badges, focusing on New Jersey, I have also acquired various other pieces of Law Enforcement Memorabilia. In my collection is the "Buffalo Gun" below.

I am not sure that this antique firearm actually warrants the name "Buffalo Gun." I called it that because of its' weight, and the breach loading large caliber (.45-.50).

This mini canon makes a nice appearance on the wall in my Den. While I like it, I can't really talk about its' roots. There are markings on the barrel that I just have not figured out. They read: Luscaldlna and  Plagnucia. Feel free to examine these pictures and send me your thoughts.

In this picture you will see what looks like to be a "Crown" and two letters directly underneath. They are "BV".  As near as I can tell these are proof marks from an armory in Birmingham England. This suggests the rifle was manufactured in the UK.

I hope you enjoyed looking at this old gun as do I.