SECOND GENERATION NEWARK P.D. - NUMBER 14

By: Dennis Beyer

When I first started my blog I did a post (May 2008) titled "Oldies But Goodies." In it I focused on a badge that was part of the Second Generation of Badges,  introduced in 1865. This design was used by the Newark P.D. up to 1885.

I didn't give the Badge, the story that it deserved in my original article. Pretty much I just said, "It was old and from Newark, N.J." What an understatement! 

Now I possess "three" of these Rare Treasures, and I certainly know how valuable they are. While there is a monetary worth, there is also an Historical and Sentimental value that make these beauties priceless.

In addition to the newbie above, I also have the other two badges, which are pictured below:

Badge number "1640 was the First of this edition that I collected. It was obtained over fifty years ago. It has a blemish at the center that impacts the coloring. Everything else is fine.

The Second Badge in this Collection of Newark Second Edition's is number "52". No blemishing on this one. Note how both badges have their numbers stamped into the lower panel, and just how high the numbers went during their twenty year period of service.

Back to the latest addition to the Collection -  Number "14". This Badge is in the best condition of the three items that I have. Observe how the number is presented. It is a little different from the first two Badges I collected.  It has its' numbers, in black enamel fill, in a separate oval panel affixed to the bottom panel on the Badge. This method of numbering apparently was discontinued rather quickly.

The general appearance of this shield, number 14, is quite awesome. It measures 2.5" by 2.00" inches, and has the word POLICE set from the rear with impressive depth and resolution. This is the only word on the Badge.

In the center, and using a large area of the Badge front, is the identifier for NEWARK, NJ.  That would be the City Seal. 

The Newark City Seal is what tells you, in an instant, where this Badge hails from. This is true even today, although the size of the Seal is generally smaller. The hand holding a hammer at the very top of the Seal is what to look for, when identifying a Newark PD  Badge.

I consider myself very fortunate to have acquired three of these Second Edition Newark shields for my collection. It only took close to 60 years to obtain all of them. 

CertainlyI have placed these Badges under glass in a fine Oak Case that definitely is double locked. I see them in my Den daily, and when it gets cold, here in Naples Fl,  these Rare Antiques generate a little heat to keep me Nice and Warm.

POLICE HUMOR

Someone broke into the police station and stole all the toilets. Police say they have nothing to go on.

WEST NEW YORK BADGE SET OFFERD TO COLLECTORS

 

The "Badge Set" below is now offered to purchase 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 a reduced price  $149. 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

 

SOUTH ORANGE RANK SET

 By: Dennis Beyer

 

South Orange is a small town in Essex County, N.J.  It is technically a "Village," in the area just West of Newark. Of the different communities there are only three Villages in the State. Since 1977 the official name of the community is The Township of South Orange Village.

It probably is not anything like you envisioned. Certainly there are no farms or stacks of hay in the field. There are approximately 17,000 people calling the "Village" home. 

A train runs through the Village providing transportation to and from New York City. The train is just a few steps to the Downtown area. A little further away is Seton Hall University. This is where South Orange borders with Newark. I grew up in that area and have many memories of riding my bike through the Village and up to the top of the Mountain to view the New York Skyline. That was a fabulous view.

As I recall the Police Department was, and is, small. Crime was present, but not a serious problem. Residents were generally well behaved. Those traveling through were a different story. In my job I believe I appeared in the Municipal Court (case related) once or twice.

The above 6 badges I believe I got from a local manufacturer after the Township opted for a new design. My records were lost to cyber space when it crashed. That taught me to go for a better backup system. 

Of the six pictured items you will see two badges for "Chief's". One was for the full Police Department while the second was for the Police Reserve. 

In addition to the "Chief's" badges there  is a Captain and a Lieutenant Badge plus one Special and an Officer Badge. I am missing the Sergeant's Shield. That would complete the set of a Rank Set which would date back to World War Two era.

As with all my "treasures" these badges are displayed in a wooden case that has a glass front. It hangs over my desk where it gets a daily once over that reminds me I am lucky, and proud, to have this fine collection.

 

K-9 DOGS, WATCH OUT: THE FAIR LAWN N.J. POUNDMASTER IS GOING TO GET YOU

 By: Dennis Beyer

 

When I first saw this badge I thought "Oh my God, you are  pulling my chain."

I checked google and quickly learned on my first inquiry that Fair Lawn, N.J. did not have an animal control department. Subsequent investigation revealed that the Town uses Bergen County Animal Control for their needs.

At one time the town of Fair Lawn did have a "Pound" for, shall we say animals in need. The person in charge was a politically appointed position and the title POUNDMASTER was an important job. The person who had the top responsibility apparently had the above badge.

I had the opportunity to buy it at a show in Titusville, FL (Jan  2022). The urge to spend hit me so I made the deal and now top dog on my street.

I wanted it for a lot of reasons, none really great. It just looked in great condition, had to be well over 50 years old, and was quite unique. Along with another N.J. badge I made the purchase and added it to my displays.

As one can observe this is a traditional circle over an Eagle, with a vintage State Seal at center point. The letters are recessed and black filled, over what appears to be gold plate. The pin, with locking clasp, are in working order on the rear side of this item.

While this is not my normal collection target I obviously like it. I can also say, my neighbor and his dog, are impressed as well. For now this unique badge is a keeper and will stay at my side in a glass display cabinet.

 

 

THE ROOTS OF MY INTEREST IN NEWARK N.J. AND POLICE BADGES AND MEMORABILIA

 By: Dennis Beyer

1967 was a volatile year. It was 4 years after JFK met an assassins bullet in Dallas. Viet Nam was a "popular" subject across the country. Racial tensions were prevalent in most large urban areas. Newark was a dangerous city in July of 1967. 

There was a spark and the City erupted. Gun fire, was to say the least, not uncommon. Buildings were set on fire. Fireman were shot at by snipers. Buildings were looted. Businesses were destroyed. In the months and years that followed city blocks literally disappeared. For years the area looked like a war zone. Newark today is another story. 

My father worked during the riots at HQ and said he saw action only from a distance. He was posted to the roof of HQ on Franklin St. It was "my shotgun" that he borrowed, while I had the good fortune to be honeymooning in the Bahamas.

When I got back to Newark the above Life Magazine was on my desk. I was assigned to investigate this shooting at the request of the NJ Administrative Office of the Courts. I still have the the magazine 50+ years. 

Strangely the picture on the cover does not share, in part, my findings of: "no serious injury, superficial wound etc." 

A couple of months after the Riot My father obtained this  DEPUTY CHIEF retirement badge from an old friend. He later gave it to me. It was one of the first of a few badges he gave me. Now, 50+ years later I proudly remember it, and the beginnings of my Badge Collecting Hobby. The Badge and other Memories are under glass hanging on the walls in my Den. I enjoy seeing it all every day.

NEWARK CIVIL DEFENSE COLLECTION

 By: Dennis Beyer

I have a small box of badges that are not hanging on the walls of my museum (Den). I don't go through it very often, but recently there was some interest. After sorting out the contents on the kitchen counter (my wife wasn't home at the time) I found eight beautiful badges from: Civil Defense - Newark, NJ.

These badges are in excellent condition, and in fact look like they were made only yesterday. Why they were not mounted under glass in a nice display box is beyond me. It didn't take long to solve this problem. Along the way I remembered I had these badges at one time on display, but stashed them away, using the space for something of, at the time, greater interest.

At the top of this article is the 9" x 12"  Oak box (Glass Front) that these eight badges now call "home."  I found a spot on my wall that they can hang with some other treasures from Newark, N.J.  Now let me share some history.

These Badges date back to the 1940's. They were issued to civilians who came to the call for volunteers during the war effort. Mayor Vincent Murphy issued the call for assistance three days after Pearl Harbor. A copy of his letter, dated Dec 10, 1941, to the citizens of Newark is below:

That's a pretty cool piece of history. I wish I had the original document in my collection, but I'll just have to settle for the beautiful Civil Defense badges presented in this post.

The group below are entry level or "Officer Badges." They were made by H. Buchlien & Son in Newark. The design is a Jersey Standard  circle on an eagle, with the center left for usually a State or City Seal. The first three badges have a raised mound at the center with the words: POLICE DEPT stamped into its' surface. 

The above two badges have a nicer Center Piece. Using raised letters the inscription reads POLICE. All five of these badges are Nickle plated, and, as the pictures show, are in excellent condition. Working pins, with catches, are in the rear of these items. They measure almost 3 inches in height.

Below are three more Civil Defense Badges. They are "rank" badges and are marked:  Sergeant,  Lieutenant, and  Deputy Chief.

The two Items pictured above are also nearly 3 inches in height. They are gold-tone finish in excellent condition. The Sergeants Badge is looking factory new, with the Lieutenant's looking  like it has a little wear (It still looks good). Both have a red, white, and blue Civil Defense (CD) at center point.  They are numbered  6 and 68 respectfully.

The last badge pictured is the smallest in the display. It measures 2 inches in height. This badge also has a gold-tone finish with the distinctive multi color seal in the middle. It is marked with recessed blue enamel lettering, which reads: Deputy Chief,  Newark AUX, Fire Dept, NJ. This shield is the only one with the identification of FIRE Dept stamped into it.

All of these badges, having now been rescued from storage, are now hanging proudly on the wall in my den. Each day I look at them I can't help thinking how I buried them in a box for all those years. Now I am very happy to have them out where they can be appreciated.