SAVED FROM THE GARBAGE: A NEWARK DETECTIVES' NOTES FROM THE LINDBERGH KIDNAPPING

An old Newark Police, Desk Log Book, with roots dating back to the 1930's found itself  serving multiple purposes in its lifetime. At some point in time the book became Det. Morris Kirwin's personal scrapbook. I believe he took the book into retirement, handed it down to family members, and it eventually find itself being thrown out as garbage. Fortunately it was rescued from the trash in Massachusetts. 

Kirwan pasted news clippings of his involvement in numerous cases, into "his" scrapbook. The collection started in 1929. Looking at these notes, I turned page after page, until I saw multiple articles relating to the kidnapping of Aviator Charles Lindbergh's son. This was an event that shocked the Nation, and held its' interest until the execution of Bruno Hauptmann, at Trenton State Prison, April 3, 1936.

Detective  Kirwan was one of several Newark Police that were assigned to assist with the investigation into the Lindbergh Kidnapping. Charles A. Lindbergh Jr. had been taken from his nursery on Tuesday, March 1st 1932. The home was on an estate owned by the family in Hopewell N.J.

A ransom of $50,000 was asked, in what was the first of 15 ransom notes. In his notes Detective Kirwan recorded the names of those Newark Officers, including Chief James McRell, that had responded to the Lindbergh Estate in Hopewell, N.J.  See pictures below.

A Photo of the Lindbergh House

Det. Kirwan's Note "Newark Police at Lindy's"

Chief McRell Newark Police, Col. Schwarzkopf (NJ State Police), and Chief Thomas Wolfe (Jersey City)

Col. Lindbergh eventually paid the ransom. The famed aviator believed this was the only way to rescue his baby. The money was delivered by John Conlin, an intermediary, to the kidnappers on April 2, 1932 in a Bronx, NY Cemetery.

After the payment of the ransom the Lindbergh's were given instructions on how to locate their child. These instructions did not produce the missing baby. Searches continued around the Lindbergh Estate with no success

Pictured below is Col. Lindbergh, and to his right Mrs. Lindbergh, and several pictures of their son. These photos are part of Detective Kirwan's notes.

Kidnapped Baby, Charles Lindbergh Jr,

and Mr. and Mrs Lindbergh 

A Detective examines Ladder used to remove Baby from Second Floor Nursery

On May 12, 1932, over a month after the delivery of the ransom money, Truck Drivers found the body of the missing child. The case now became a homicide investigation.

For a solid year there were no arrests in the case. Then a series of events seemed to just fall in place. The first was actually in May of 1932 when the United States went off the Gold Standard. Our present day currency quietly came into existence. With Gold Certificates no longer legal tender, it was possible for these certificates to be rejected by Banks.

Eighteen months following the discovery of the baby's body an individual went into a gasoline station in the Bronx. He paid for his gas using a Gold Certificate. The Station Attendant feared not being able to collect on this certificate wrote the cars license plate number. The plate belonged to Bruno Richard Hauptmann. He was arrested September 19, 1934. 

The last item to note, found in Detective Kirwan's scrap book, is an "Envelope Front" with canceled stamp, and addressee's name showing. The letter went through the U.S. Post Office in Norristown,  P.A.  It was stamped 12:00 PM - March 2nd - the day after the kidnapping.  It was addressed to "Mr. or Mrs Charles Lindbergh, Hopwell, N.J. 

Many thoughts go through my mind concerning this "Envelope." Was it evidence from the case?  Did it contain one of the 15 ransom notes?  Why did Detective Kirwan keep it all these years?  Yes, it was part of his memorabilia, but what did it signify to him.

Front of Envelope Found in Detective Kirwan's Scrap Book

I have been told that there are many unanswered questions about this case, and subsequent trial. Now I have a few of my own that I'll just add to the pile of memories that I collect.

NEW YORK TRINKET FOR SALE

Wow it's March already, and I have not been giving this blog the attention it deserves.

I am trying to downsize my collection, and I do have a few items to move along. It just has not been easy identifying those things that I can let go of. That, and cataracts, have slowed my "posts" on this site. I'll try to do better.

Anyway, I found the above Belt Buckle from New York City. It is from the late 1800s to early 1900's. 

If anyone has an interest contact Dennis at:

   jerseychief@gmail.com

Asking $50 or B/O       ITEM HAS SOLD

TOP COP: WEST ORANGE

This is the last (for now) of my TOP COP COLLECTION.

I have had this badge over 20 years or longer. I got lucky obtaining it back in the day. It was made for the "Chief", except he never accepted delivery of for one reason or the other. So the maker allowed me to purchase it. I took real good care of this beauty wondering if "He" would come looking for it. He didn't, and others ascended to the office of the Chief. Guess they ordered their own badge.

As you look at it,  you will note it is a "named" badge. It turns out the man was a neighbor of my in-laws when they lived "Down in the Valley." We met a couple of times. I don't think he has any idea that I have "his" badge. That's what is cool about collecting these treasures - You often obtain a story with the badge.

The shield is a "Sunburst" with an Eagle on the top. Their is a name panel at the top also.

The bottom has a reversed blue/gold lettering pattern spelling out the word "Chief."   The ring around the State Seal reads West Orange Police Dept. 

It is an impressive old style badge that I have kept under glass, so it remains in pristine condition. With all my items, I see them daily and enjoy the memories that they bring to my aging old mind. That I can still remember, makes me quite happy, and proud to have this "CHIEF" in my collection. 

CHIEF READY TO TRAVEL

Fellow Collectors this grouping is offered for purchase. It is offered as a "set," and will not be sold piece meal, as that would diminish its' value. 

Take a look. The man standing has been in my den for a couple of years guarding my Jersey Collection. He stands by the window looking down at one of my displays. The problem is He is from CLEVELAND, OHIO. He does look good, but He really wants to go home.

The pictures above show the Chief's uniform Dress Coat and Hat with white top. Matching breast and hat badges are attached at the appropriate locations.

Below is a close up of the "Cleveland Police Chief" Badge. Also shown are a name plate and pistol award. 

The last picture is of the shoulder patch that was in use at the time this uniform was actually in use.

Asking $375. Contact:  jerseychief@gmail.com

"A STAR HAS ARRIVED"

Do you remember that kid's story where someone yelled out "The Sky is Falling, The Sky is falling!" Well the Kid, in the book, could have been me a few weeks ago. The sky didn't fall, but something spectacular happened.

Let me be clear: "I got a Newark Star!"

You may recall every year, in January, I would do a post, on my blog,  with a plea for someone to help me find the ultimate Newark Badge to add to my collection. 

I have been collecting over fifty years. How many years over fifty is not important. What is important, is that after collecting anything from anywhere, I finally had to downsize. That shift put my focus strictly on anything from New Jersey, especially NEWARK.

I was thinking maybe the Top Ten Cities in the Garden State, or the Newark/Essex County (where I worked). I knew officers in almost every police department in the county. It took time, but I was able to build a network of Officers helping me create what I believe is a fabulous "Jersey Collection."  

Eventually I found my Top Ten, and I accumulated Badges from Communities all around the Garden State. This gave me an opportunity to build other collections and to still keep my eye focused on Newark.

I grew up in the City, as did my wife. We graduated the same school - "West Side H.S."  My Dad was a Detective there, and retired only after a Thirty-Seven year career. He gave me my first few badges fifty years ago, and that sorta got my full collection on its' way. 

As I looked for Newark's "Star," I was able to acquire some beautiful, and rare, badges from the N.P.D.  I got them, but "No Star."  I tried hard, but to no avail. I looked at shows, I sent letters to other collectors, and I searched on- line auctions, including Ebay. No Luck.

Finally, with 50 years invested in the hobby, I had a conversation with Mike Bondarenko (Publisher of PC News). This was a year or two ago at The Show in, Titusville, Florida. Mike gave me a lead. Well, I was a like a Boy Scout on the hunt for an Eagle Badge. That lead became "Contact." It took a while, but eventually an arrangement was made for me to purchase the above Newark Star. 

The seller and I are keeping the terms of the deal private; However It is safe to say, "There are two happy people in the Hobby today!"  My Quest, to obtain The Star, has also given me the finest of memories, and those memories also stand as important parts of my Collection.

Pictured also are a few rare Newark Badges that I have had for some time. As of now they sit as the foundation for the Badge I treasure most.

These two badges date back to circa 1860. They were the next Edition, after the Star. Both are in good condition. They  show a nice view of the City Seal and number panel with #52 and #1640 respectfully.

Pictured below are two "sets" of Newark Radiator Badges that preceded the current edition. They were in use circa 1900. The "set" marked #C93 is a very rare piece. It is a "Chanceman' Badge" or probationary officer in today's jargon. 

This is the heart of my hobby. All of these badges are the "Stars" of my collection, but with out a doubt, the Eight Pointed Newark Star, at the top of this post is the ultimate prize.

MARSHAL BADGE READY TO MOVE ON

HORACE W. LOOMIS

CHIEF DEPUTY, US MARSHAL

NEW MEXICO TERRITORY

1886 - 1896

This badge has been the Crown Jewel of my collection up until now. It was a fabulous find nearly a decade ago, when I found it in an antique store. I couldn't let it sit there, even though it wasn't from my primary focus - Newark, N.J.  I am always looking for that City. 

When I first purchased it, I reached out to a couple auction houses, and had all sorts of dollar value set on it - heck one even thought five figures was possible. We all know "Beauty" is in the hands of the beholder. So, I will not be asking five figures, but I would like  $3999.00 or b/o to build my wife's retirement fund. Believe me,  She is encouraging me to sell this piece of history.  

Now, before you close the page, just take a moment, and look  at what is being offered closely. 

FIRST, the picture below. It is an up close "front view" of a beautiful six point star. It shows four panels that read:  UNITED STATES, DEPUTY MARSHAL, NEW MEXICO, TERR.  

At center is an early styled Seal with a red, white and blue stars and stripes surrounded by a small wreath. The picture reveals this badge to be in very very good condition.

SECOND are two pictures of the "rear view" of this silver star.  This is where the "important information" is located. 

Starting in the upper left, there is the word "Sterling."  It is quite small,  and is best seen in the zoomed in photo. To make sure you know it is silver, the word sterling is also spread out on the right side of the second panel. That makes two markings for silver.  

On the Right side, of the top panel, are the letters "A & G" which is the makers mark or the Hallmark. On the left t side of the second panel are some engraved markings. To my eye this is a date: 1101 11,  or 'NKG." It took me years to find, and try to identify it. I can't say for sure that it is a date, but that is my  best guess.

Look at the bottom panel. Inside are the letters: "H W LOOMIS."  This was his badge, as his name is inside it. There is no doubt as to who's badge this once was. From the appearance, this is not a "working or duty badge,"  but a Presentation Badge. It rests in a presentation box as shown above.

Look at the bottom panel. Inside are the letters: "H W LOOMIS."  This was his badge, as his name is inside it. There is no doubt as to who's badge this once was. From the appearance, this is not a "working or duty badge,"  but a Presentation Badge. It rests in a presentation box as shown above

I do not know exactly when this badge was made, but because it is marked "TERR." I am assuming it was made before New Mexico became a State in 1912.  I know from contact with the Dept. of Justice, that Horace "Will" Loomis left the Marshal's Service in 1896 as Chief Deputy. 

Shortly before leaving the Marshal's Office, Loomis was riding as a passenger from Gallup, NM to Albuquerque, NM. When the train stopped at a Water Station there was some unusual noise outside the train cars. Loomis didn't know it at first, but the train was being robbed. He got off the train with his shotgun. He walked along the track until he saw an outlaw, later identified as Code(y) Young,  a member of a well known gang called the High Fives. 

This gang made a lot of successful bank and train robberies prior to Oct. 3 1893. That day was not a success story for the 19 year old robber.  Young died in Rio Puerco N.M. as his outlaw buddies scattered. They were soon killed or captured, with the exception of  George Musgrave  who lived until 1947. His History is chronicled in the book:  "Last of the Oldtime Outlaws"  (Karen & John Tanner, University of Oklahoma Press.)" 

While there is more to the story of Will Loomis, his badge is the only memorabilia that I possess. Now it is time to let it go.
    
So the asking price is $3999.00

Contact Dennis at:    jerseychief@gmail.com

NEW YEARS GREETINGS

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2020 is here. Best wishes to all.

I trust this will be a good and a healthy year for those of us in the hobby. I have in the past enjoyed going to the various shows in S.E. USA, and hope to do so again. Health is the key.

The wife and I are going to be changing who rides "Shotgun" in a couple of weeks. We are starting a full attack on Cataracts. It is something that seems to be hitting a lot of my friends, but we rebound quickly. I'll do the same (I hope).  Thank God for Insurance.