TRENTON, NJ'S CAPITAL CITY

 

As a Badge Collector my focus, after fifty years in the hobby, has been centered on my home City of Newark. On the way to completing that collection I have created some displays that are other NJ Municipalities.

I never emphasized TRENTON which is the Capital City. One reason is that I just never found many of their badges to trade or purchase.

Over the years I did stumble on two early Badges from New Jersey's Capital. They were acquired as far back as 30 years ago. The oldest is number 60. The newest is numbered 33. 

These two badges are almost identical. The differences is slight. Number 33 has a little wider body. It also has add on numerals. They also are set on a slight angle. They look like they may have changed a few times before this badge went its' merry way to the collectors world.

Both badges are somewhat worn, with number 60 still in excellent shape.  Despite the wear you can clearly see, in raised letters, "TRENTON CITY POLICE" around the centered City Seal. 

It is the "Seal" that tells you this is an authentic badge from Trenton. Of the five hundred (+) New Jersey Municipalities, most use a "State Seal." Trenton uses their distinct City Seal. 
 
On the back of number 33 you can see that the pin at some point in time was replaced. It is held together in a "mound" of solder. It certainly does not look like the manufacturers work, so probably a  do it yourself repair job. The "C" catch also looks to have been replaced. It too has excess solder holding it in place.

 My first Trenton Badge, number 60, is in far better condition, both front and rear. There are no issues with the pin, clasp or numerals.

Both of these fine pieces of history have found a home in what I call: City Collections Display. My goal (a long, long time ago) was to obtain the Top Ten N.J. Cities. Along the way to that goal I got a few more.

In that quest, for the "Big Ten," I have obtained a representative from 30 different Cities. I certainly like them, and I am proud to have them. They are all under glass in a nice display case that hangs on my wall.

All the badges hanging  in my den give me a nice feeling every day when I look at them. Most of them tell a story or tweak a memory. Guess that is why, after fifty years, I still collect them.

TITUSVILLE 2022, AFTER 35 YEARS THIS SHOW IS FLORIDA'S OLDEST MEMORABILIA ATTRACTION

January 29 was Show Day. It was a long journey, for the Wife and I, complicated by population growth, and traffic. We used the Interstates, I-75, I-4, & I-95. They reminded me of "urban crawl" which, in part, motivated my move to Florida twenty-two years ago.

When I arrived in Florida the TITUSVILLE BADGE & PATCH SHOW  was only a decade old.  Since its' very first year it has continuously been hosted by Steve and Karen Bridges. Hats off to them for keeping this Nationally Known Show alive for thirty-five years.

This year the Show Room was filled at the North Brevard Senior Center. There were Collectors from all over the U.S. with many familiar faces in particular from Florida. 

I checked the floor and saw Doug Sarubbi, John Holmes, Sam Goldstein, Jeff  Peeler and Chad Harris. All, as usual, attended with their great displays.

I brought some of my Treasures to put on display. Below are a couple that I like to show as they are quite rare. 

The Emergency Patch was worn on the back of a jacket and in use in 50's & 60's.

The Detective Shields are from the 30's & 40's. They pre-date current Shield. I am fortunate to have accumulated a total of five of these beauties. 

My father was actually issued both Police Officer Shield while working. The Gold-tone Detective Shield was his retirement badge. The revolver was on hand in post retirement years.

Away from my exhibits there were sales, and trades as usual. This took up most of the morning. I picked up two badges for my collection.   

Back in the 1940-1960 era this beautiful Gold-tone Badge was used by the "Top Dog" of the Fair Lawn, NJ (Animal Control Office). Today the Title of "POUNDMASTER" no longer exists longer exists.

The Summit N.J. Badge below is from a City that is home to one of my daughters. The price was right, and couldn't refuse it, so here I am with a good condition shield to add to my collection. I would date it as 1950 time frame. It was used by "Special Police" hired for specific job locations. Today this design is obsolete.

Following the lunch break, Steve Bridges called everyone to order. He presented awards to  Display Winners. After that it was time to pack up and say "Good Bye". Another great show was in the books.

Let's stay Healthy and Plan to see each other in 2023.

AUCTION SITE

A new auction Site has been advertised in PC News in the Jan.-Feb. Edition.

The site is for collectors of Law Enforcement Memorabilia. It is a nice looking creation, and already has over 800 members.

The Address is:  http//auction.collectors-badges.com

WANTED

 

WANTED!  BY NEW  JERSEY COLLECTOR

Looking for  Badges, Handcuffs, Whistles or Pictures from

Municipal Police or County Probation Departments with

a particular interest in all items from City of  Newark.

 

Contact:

DENNIS BEYER 

 email: denb22@GMAIL.COM

Collecting 50 Years, and Producer of

"badgecollector.blogspot.com"

ITEM FOR SALE

 

The "badge set" below is now offered to my fellow Collectors. 

I am cutting back and re-organizing after 50 years of collecting. The badge set offered below are duplicates, so it is time to move them along.

As stated, this is a set, and I would like $199. or B/O. 

It is important to recognize that the two items are paired and will not be sold separately.

I will ship only to a known Collector. I may be reached at 

jerseychief@gmail.com

 

CARRIBBEAN CRUISE

I ended 2021 by taking a cruise on Princess' "EMERALD PRINCESS." It sailed from Nov. 29 to Dec. 6.

This was a nice way to escape from Covid Lockdown. I was anxious. You should have seen me wheeling across I-75, better known as Alligator Alley. I felt like a race car driver on an empty track. No Alligators, and no Smokies either. Drove right up to the ship.

The "Emerald" was about 50% capacity. That made it nice. Real nice. The Crew was especially accommodating. Good Covid precautions were in place, and on return there was no reports of any flu like symptoms.

The ships first stop was Nassau. I haven't been there since I had a fabulous time a few years earlier with the Commissioner of Police - Ellison Greenslade.

I decided to go visit the Police HQ again and do a recheck. When my Taxi pulled up it, it looked like an Official Officer Recognition Ceremony was in progress. I made my request, and was patient.  Sure enough I was greeted by a Deputy Commissioner, who was Ellison's brother. 

We had a very nice conversation, and naturally we did the picture below (if proof is needed). I was even invited back, but had to get on the big boat again. It was a good visit, and another I will add to my Collection of Memories.   

 

          

After Nassau the Cruise Ship docked in Cartegena. I took the required Town Tour,  and certainly liked the high rise condos by the Bay. What made a smaller impression was the vehicles used by the local police. I managed to take the pictures below for your enjoyment.  They really do have vehicles that are larger, but this is cool enough.

 

 

TITUSVILLE COLLECTORS SHOW JAN 29, 2022

 

Hey it didn't take that long for 2021 to come and go. Now another year on my weary bones, but I am getting ready to go to TITUSVILLE for another show.

This show is in, or close to its' 35th year. That is a long time.

If you haven't seen the announcement you need to contact Steve Bridges to  register!

 Make table reservations by calling: 321-302-1983 (cell) or e-mail @ csteveb170@gmail.com.

Confirm your reservations by mailing table fee to Steve Bridges, 1535 Justin Court, Titusville, FL 32796.