OLD PHILLY COLLECTION

My focus in badge collecting has always been New Jersey. These badge are from across the mighty Delaware River in Philadelphia. They were given to me about 30 years ago. The gift factor makes them special so they are included in my Jersey collection.

There are nine items in total in this collection. Pictured here is the entire display, and three badges that I have placed in the center. I believe these are police hat badges, however they could have been used elsewhere.

I believe these items are all from the late 1800's or early 1900's. They belonged to the grandfather of the person who gifted them to me. The best estimate, at the time I acquired them, was that they were circa 1900.

The first and third badge picture are of two hat badges. While the number "3314" is by itself it could be a separate attachment to go with the hat badges with no number attached. The bottom hat badge appears to be newer and incorporates the number on bottom panel. 

The all seem to be in quite good condition for their age. The lettering, on the bottom item, is very good and clear. It reads: "Philadelphia Maneto". This means Brotherly Love, for which Philadelphia is known.

I'll talk about the other items in this collection in my next post. For now these guys will return to their case and get locked up nice and tight for the night. 

AUG 30TH IS DATE FOR ORLANDO SHOW: MARK YOUR CALENDER

Start making your plans now to attend the 2014 Orlando Police Collectors Show.  Collectors have been given an early date this year, Saturday, August 30, 2014. Plan to spend the holiday weekend in Orlando. 

Make your reservations early.

Contact the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando at 800- 627-8258  There is a special rate of $75.00 + tax.

Tables will be $25. Contact Doug Sarubbi. Email: sarubb@aol.com

NICE ADDITIONS TO THE COLLECTION

I recently acquired two nice pieces to add to my collection. They are not badges, but certainly have a lot of heart, and nicely dress up my museum

First is a leather jacket used in Newark. It weighs a ton (10-15 lbs). It is trimmed with gold-tone buttons that are marked "Newark Police Dept." The patch is an older version of the current issue. I guess that it makes the jacket no older then 1970 +/- It's a shame this jacket wound up being not wanted and cast off. I'm very happy I was able to save it for display in my little museum.

The second item is a picture of me, and it is far from ugly. A friend, who is well known in several art circles (New York, London, Naples, and Paris) saw my "bobbie hat" and decided to "place me in it." He drew from memory. I must say, he did an incredible job. The wife is crazy about it too! She understands that it required lots of work. Further she thought it to have immediate value, and suggested I put it on E-Bay. Of course I won't do that. Money cannot equal the emotional tugs when it is viewed. In fact I see tears in my wife's eyes every time she looks at it. That alone makes it PRICELESS.

BOMB SQUAD

Wow if the last picture I posted, with those single headlights mounted on the fender looked old, check this one out. There doesn't seem to be headlights.

This is supposedly from 1911 (plus or minus). It is of a vehicle that was used by the Bomb Squad.

Feel free to copy. Wow if the last picture I posted, with those single headlights mounted on the fender looked old, check this one out. There doesn't seem to be headlights.

This is supposedly from 1911 (plus or minus). It is of a vehicle that was used by the Bomb Squad.

Feel free to copy.

BROOKLYN: POLICE AND SAILORS

The above picture was sent to us by a friend in New York. It is of members of the NYC Auxiliary Police, and members of the USS COLE. They came together to celebrate Memorial Day.

"LOOK OUT, EXPLOSIVES"

Here is a picture I'd like to share. It is part of my collection and looks good on the wall.

It is an old Newark vehicle. I don't think I need the word "Dangerous" to keep me at a safe distance.

Feel free to make a copy. I am happy to see other collectors enjoy it.

ONE MORE MARSHALL

It figures. After covering every NJ Marshal that I have collected I managed to obtain another one.

This one came from across "the pond." I have had some dealings with the seller over the years, and was very happy to see this item offered.

It is from LEONIA.  This is a North Jersey Community which seems to have one border close to the New Jersey Turnpike. From any spot in town one could get on the highway and be in NYC in minutes.

The place is a Borough form of government and was born in the early 1890's. Today there are just under 9000 residents.

This badge was made in the early 1900's. It has the old style "C" catch on the rear. Up front is an old style State Seal. Beneath it is a number box carrying the number "6."  I am pleased to give it a nice home under glass in my museum.