MUNICIPALS - "F" IS FOR FLORHAM PARK

 F is for Florham Park. This is the twelfth municipal badge, in  alphabetical order, in my Municipal Collection.I lived close to this community prior to retiring. It used to be a sleepy little town just over the Morris/Essex county lines. Today I imagine it is still a very desirable place to live. 

When I lived there it was possible to see the (NY) Giants practice at Farleigh Dickinson University. That no longer is true, but the Jets have moved into town or at least maintain a PO BOX there.

The badge that is featured here is an old one. It was made in the traditional designe  with a State Seal stamped into it. The panels read: FLORHAM PARK, on the top. On the bottom is a quite large panel that reads: SPECIAL. It looks like it was applied over what was intended to be a number box.

I like this design so for a variety of reasons included it in the display. It is in very good condition and when I look at it there are some nice memories that make their way to the front of my mind.

NEW ADDITION: NEWARK "SPECIAL POLICE"

Anything from Newark is always a nice addition to the collection. The badge here was issued roughly around 1900-1930. I have a particular interest in it as my father, in the last couple of years of his career as a Newark Detective, served as Liaison to the City's Special Police. That was in the late 1960's. By then they used badges similar to the regular force.

What is neat about this item is the City Seal. It is stamped into the badge from the rear. Over the years it has smoothed out some, but not to the point that the distinctive hand holding a hammer can't be seen. That is beautiful.

The top of the badge is the number 296. I already own 285. The main panel reads: Special Police. On the bottom it reads Newark, NJ. A pin, and "C" catch are fixed to the rear of this treasure. It is in working condition, but I leave it alone. I won't even let the grandson wear it in the house. It is under glass with some other fine items from Newark. I am pleased to have it, and the memories it brings to mind.

MUNICIPALS - "E" IS FOR ENGLEWOOD

E is for Englewood. This is the eleventh badge following the alphabet rule, however it is here in my Municipal Collection, because of a lack of space in my "City" display.

This particular badge is for a "Special" officer and that title appears at the very top of the badge. It is a banner carried by an eagle.

In the main body of this shield there is an applied multi colored State of N.J. Seal. I guess this really makes it official, but I always prefer the older seals that are plated.

There are three panels on this item. They mark  the words: Police,   Officer, Englewood.

This is a fine looking item, and it will continue to reside under glass in my displays. Even if it isn't quite in the right location I'll keep it.

MUNICIPALS - "E" IS FOR ELIZABETH

"E" is for Elizabeth. In sequence this would be the tenth in alphabetical order. That is how they are displayed.

Initially I must admit there is a problem with this one. Elizabeth is a City. It is in here because I didn't have room for it anywhere else.

I was able to obtained a couple of nice items from this location, but only displayed one in my City Collection. I covered that badge in a post dated January 19, 2010. Boy time is flying. 

This particular badge is one that I have had for a long time. It is in great shape, and of a traditional design. It is gold tone with blue letters. There is a pin and clasp on the rear.

It is marked: Elizabeth Police, with the Sergeant title in the bottom number box. In the top section is an applied Seal from the City which adds a very nice touch and makes the badge unique to this community.

Having a second item from this location has forced me to place it where it is. That is OK. I am proud to have it and to display it, knowing their is another one over my shoulder in the correct location.

NEW ADDITION: ATLANTIC CITY DETECTIVE

 
After several weeks of hunting for either a trade or an acquisition I finally closed a deal for a new edition to my City Collection. It will fit very nice with a couple of other items from the City by the Sea.


I found this badge on Ebay and made the purchase. I usually stay away from that source, but this one looked pretty good. It is from Atlantic City, N.J.


It was issued to "Special Detectives."  It is very nice crafted badge using a blue and white enamel over gold tone finish. 


The tittle is at the top of a ring that surrounds the "City Seal." The name of the City is at the bottom. I believe this badge was used in early 1900's through 1930. The manufactures mark is present on the rear,  which also names Attelboro, Mass. as the manufacturing location.


It all depends on where one sits when looking at an item such as this, but from this perspective it looks great, and will be welcome in my collection.

MUNICIPALS - "D" IS FOR DUMONT

D is for DUMONT.  In alphabetical sequence this is the ninth badge in my Municipal Collection.


This badge is the old traditional design that I like so much. I have had it a good 20 years in one display or another.  It is a keeper.


The Borough of Dumont is in Northern N.J.  in the County of Bergen. This is a very nice area to reside. Roughly 17,000 people call it home. It took its' name from the first Mayor - Dumont Clarke.


The silver tone badge is simply marked: DUMONT POLICE. It also carries the number # 11 in an open number box. Stamped into the body of the badge is the N.J. State Seal.


The rear of the badge has a functioning pin and clasp.

This is another badge that I think looks good, and one that I am pleased to put on display.

MUNICIPALS - "D" IS FOR DEPTFORD

"D" is for Deptford. This item represents the eighth distinct community in alphabetical order in my Municipal Collection.


This place is in South Jersey.  I must admit I have only heard about it. I knew it was in Gloucester County, but most of my conversations, with people living there, were regarding how I did not pronounce Gloucester correctly.  I still get it wrong.


I know now to refer to it as Exit 3 off the N.J. Turnpike. I used that exit a couple of times when visiting the metropolis of nearby Woodbury, which is the County Seat. During those job related trips to the Court House I never gave Deptford a thought.


Since acquiring this badge, from a collector in the Deep South who had different interests, I spent a moment to do a little research on Deptford. I was surprised to see that it is more then a dot on the map. It has about 30,000 people living there,  so I guess it too is a metropolis.


It seems this community has a decent size Police Department, but sad to say,  I could not verify the rank of  Deputy Chief.  That is the rank in the panel at the top of the badge in my display case. Maybe this rank has been eliminated. I really don't know.


The main section of this gold tone shield reads: Police,  Deptford Twp. While this item looks great I am somewhat concerned about its' legitimacy. It didn't cost much. The collector who sold it was reliable. So in the end I will be happy to display it, and let it remind me at least of Gloucester County,  New Jersey, and  Turnpike Exit 3.