HAT BADGE #652

A while back I wrote about my collection of Newark Hat Badges prior to 1914 when the current Hat Badge was introduced. The items in my collection are oval in design and are known, in the trade, as "Newark Ovals." 

For the longest time I used these badges to trim other badge displays. I would put an "oval" in each corner with the center reserved for the badge I wanted to focus on. This worked nice for a number of years, although my wife really isn't impressed with my display techniques. She is learning however. 

As I acquired more and more "Ovals," I thought I have enough to make a display of just these interesting badges. As you can see I placed them in "number" order. At the top is number "2." That is quite a cool item, but I sure do wish I had number "1."

The highest number in this display is "700."  If you're thinking of desirable numbers, then, this item is very unimpressive. The other numbers range from "93" to "511."

My goal now is to find #1, and maybe a few more so I can expand this display. I found one during the last year, and, as you can see from the headline, I am giving it quite a bit of attention. It is number "652"

Well you say, "That's close to "700," so what is so impressive about it?"

Take a good look at the picture. You will see that the "N.P.D. Hat" comes with the badge. Check the pictures below.
    

Naturally, I would want an old police hat to put in my collection, but this one is super nice. First, it just is a Rare Old Police Hat, which I just love. Even my wife was excited when she saw it, begging the question "Where are you going to put that?" 

Second this Hat is not only a fine looking antique, it is from my favorite Police Department - Newark, NJ. Last the Hat has its' original hat badge still in place. It is number "652." It is affixed to the Hat by wire extended through two open posts coming from the rear of the badge.

The wife was right when she expressed her concern on where to display my Hat. She suggested (not really), "Hobby Lobby" as a source for a display box. I found the perfect fit for this hat, when I purchased a glass Basketball Display Unit. 

With the display unit, I can protect my Hat, display it with Respect, and see it every day. We (me) are sure proud to have this item and to display it with my other memories. 

ANOTHER YEAR, ANOTHER BADGE

Well we have another year (2016) in the books. I made it!

I had a decent 2016. No major health issues. I guess that's because I visit the doctor every day ( seems that way even if not true), and my wife wont't let me eat. It seems like all food is bad.

During 2016 I managed to obtain a couple of NJ Marshal badges to help build that collection. I don't know of anybody else who collects this type of badge which was the forerunner of the police department for the communities involved. I have learned that with the creation of the Borough Form of Government many smaller communities elected to handle their public safety concerns by hiring "Marshals." 

I have around 25 badges now from whatever the number of communities that are in this category.  The picture here shows them off as a display group (that means the picture isn't a good close up). In 2017 I'll keep my eye out hunting for these items and try to add to this collection.

During the year I did manage a trip to Ireland  where I met two Garda (Police) Officers, who like me are members of the International Police Association. They gave me special attention which I certainly enjoyed and added a little something for me to display. The picture below (no complaints as it is a better picture then the other one) shows some of the items given to me during my stay in Dublin.

Of course I hunted for Badges from Newark. The wife likes this group the best as the pickings are few and far between. I do get some every now and then, and did get lucky near the end of the year. I have a few things to do before a I show these prizes here. I can't wait to write about them.

So it looks like I have some work to do in 2017. I wish you all good health and good pickings. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR

END OF WATCH, REMEMBERING SOME OLD FRIENDS

It has been a couple of years since one of my friends answered his last call. His grand-daughter drew the picture below. I think it is a nice gesture to show the picture in the post so here it is in our 2016 End of Watch posting . It makes a very nice memory.

In addition to this Officer, there are others who have passed away in 2016. They leave us and their FAMLIES behind.  

Miss you guys!

NEW JERSEY SHOW

HASBROUCK HEIGHTS IS BACK!!

AFTER A LONG HIATUS, TIME HAS COME TO BRING BACK A TRADITION WE ALL KNEW& LOVED. COME OUT AND REMEMBER THE GOOD OLD DAYS WITH FRIENDS AND FELLOW COLLECTORS.

COME OUT &  JOIN US IN MEMORY OF THE MAN THAT PUT THE SHOW ON THE MAP.
SUNDAY APRIL 23, 2017
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

TABLE HOLDER SET UP 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM
VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS POST #4591
513 SPRINGFIELD AVENUE, HASBROUCK HEIGHTS, NJ 07604
THE SAME SPOT IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN!

50 8FT TABLES AVAILABLE FOR SALE - $25 EACH AND MUST BE PAID FOR IN ADVANCE.

WALK IN ADMISSION - $5.00, WIVES & CHILDREN 12 & UNDER FREE.
DISPLAYS WELCOMED – AWARDS TO GIVEN FOR BEST BADGE, PATCH, AND OVERALL DISPLAY.

PATCH DROP BOX AT THE DOOR. REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED.
PUBLIC SAFETY PERSONNEL AND KNOWN COLLECTORS ONLY. VALID ID NECESSARY.
ALL APPLICABLE FEDERAL, STATE, & LOCALS LAWS TO BE ADHERED TO STRICTLY.
REPRODUCTION ITEMS AND DISPLAY ONLY MUST BE MARKED AS SAME.

YOUR SHOW HOSTS:
GERRY TIBBS & EDDIE ZITEK
FOR RESERVATIONS OR QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT GERRY AT
(201) 785-7792 OR NYNJPCS@GMAIL.COM

POLICE CARS OF THE NYPD

The link below was sent to me a few days ago. It comes out of a story that focused on New York using thenew "SMART" motor vehicle to do certain patrols. The SMART Car is very economical to drive. I don't know what else to say about "IT."  On a personal note I drive a Buick.

I also like to look at old cars. Hope the link works so you too can see some oldies of the NYPD.


Slide Show

SLIDE SHOW|6 Photos

New York Police Vehicles Through the Ages

New York Police Vehicles Through the Ages

CreditUnderwood & Underwood

The New York Times

New York Police Vehicles Through the Ages

MARSHAL - CLIFFSIDE PARK

Here is "another" marshal badge that I have acquired. I have it in my New Jersey Marshal Collection which is growing nicely.

Marshals were authorized with the creation of legislation allowing Boroughs to be created as a form of government for NJ municipalities. Before that the title existed but was  used in larger populated areas and in some cases were appointed by the Governor.

Under the new legislation small communities could have "police" protection with Mayor/Council making appointments. It was mostly the  "borough" community that made the decision to hire "Marshals." In some cases the marshal was phased out and a police department would be established. The target of my collection is the "marshal badge" from the small community issued before the creation of a police force.

I have not been able to figure out how many community's had marshals, but I know there would be at least thirty or more. I have twenty-five. The one above is a standard New York style badge with recessed letters. The State Seal is at the center and the number (113) is beneath it.

The badge is estimated to be around 75-100 years old. It is silver tone and in good condition. There is some wear around outer perimeter.

The Community of Cliffside Park was created as a Borough in 1895. Its name comes from it location on the Palisades mountains or Cliffs overlooking New York City and the Hudson River. There is a population (after the work day is complete) of 23,000 people. They should be pleased that I have given this rare old badge, from their community, the proper care that it needs,  and display it proudly under glass in my den. I'd like to think of this room is my museum. It certainly has many antiques that give me pleasant memories from another life not so long ago.

AN GARDA SIOCHANA

I’ve been blessed with the ability to enjoy the Golden Years by doing a good deal of traveling, and adding to my badge collection. I’ve been at it close to 50 years. I have learned that “travel” is a great way to make the wife, if not totally enthused about my hobby, to be at least “Tolerant” of my passion.   

This year (2016) she wanted to go to Ireland. Without argument I whipped out the old “Visa Card,” and started doing a little research. Heck, I didn’t even know if they had a Police Dept. or any type of crime problem in Dublin. I did know that is where they make Guinness Beer. Yes, this would be a good trip.

It wasn’t easy working out side trips with the wife planning my walks around Dublin in order to cross paths with sites I that interested me. I planned it so I’d have a free day, but I also needed some real guidance. The International Police Association (IPA) responded to my request for help. It took a little while, but a couple of weeks before departing for Ireland, I was given a name and email. That was all I needed. The IPA hooked me up with an Officer in Dublin. We were “matched” because of our similar interest in collecting Law Enforcement Memorabilia. My wife said, "she was happy" I made this connection.

H S. emailed back and forth with me, prior to my travel date, so we got to know each other’s history and collection interests. Dinner at a Dublin Restaurant managed to work its way into our plan. The wife thought a good meal would be a great way to start enjoying Dublin so she was agreeable. She noted that we sounded like a couple kids talking about “the job.”

Of course we exchanged some items that built a wonderful “Memory” of the Garda, and Dublin. I brought some patches for Harley and his Station House. Most were from US Towns that were named “Dublin.” Finding them was an interesting hunt for me. Watching Harley’s face while he perused them was a joy too. He was happy. My wife was happy we got them through Customs.  She was stressed a little, but she also did a great job packing them!

Well, when it was time for dessert H. presented me with a few trinkets including a fine current Dress Uniform Hat. It’s now on a perch just over my head and keeping an eye on me as I type. Harley also had some Uniform Patches, Buttons and Badges. I was impressed, and so happy I almost had a few tears fall into my Guinness.

Next we talked about travel time for my next day’s trip. H. was handing me off to Officer Stephen Moore. He would meet at the “Pearse Street Station.” It is the oldest Station in Dublin. It literally sits on a thousand years of history. Thank God there were no Vikings swinging axes on our visit. The wife really would not approve of that (Me too).

At the Station all the Garda’s that I encountered asked, “If they could help me.” They really meant it too.  They knew I was to see Stephen Moore, as he is the one that does the private tours and takes care of history.

Moore greeted the wife and I. He got right to it asking,  “If we knew what Garda’ s meant.”  We thought it was police or protectors.” That was a decent start. It didn’t take long to have the full translation. “An Garda Siochana” means: Guardian of the Peace. They are an unarmed force that came into existence in 1922 following a treaty with Great Britain wherein The Irish Free State was created. In 1925 the Dublin Metropolitan Police amalgamated with An Garda Siochana.

Stephen then walked us through History.  The Station House that we were in was originally opened as the Great Brunswick Police Station in 1915. It later became known as the College Station due to its proximity to Trinity College. I promised the wife we would visit the College after our tour on Pearse St.

In 1916 the Station was very active as there were political problems.  World War II was in its early stages. The Irish wanted Independence from Britain, and really had no interest in fighting Germans. They were fighting the British for “their own” Independence.  They agreed to put off their difference with the Crown to fight the Germans, with the understanding that  After the War there would be a free Irish State.

Some of the locals were not united with this plan for Irish Independence. They wanted there “Freedom” now. Others could wait as the Law was in fact on the books granting the Irish their State, but in London it implementation had become delayed, and delayed, and delayed.
In some quarter it was believed that Independence after the War was British rhetoric. From these beliefs came the birth of the Irish Republican Brotherhood, One of its’ leaders was a young Irishman named Padraig Pearse.

On Easter Monday 1916, Pearse gave the order for what has become known as the Easter Rebellion. Pearse wanted to chase the British out of Dublin. After six days of bloody fighting and heavy casualties his fighters were badly beaten. Pearse had no choice, and He gave the order to surrender. He was quickly tried and executed,   but he became a  National Hero.

In 1924 Dublin renamed the Street, where College Station stood, to Pearse Street in honor of Padraig Pearse. In 1965 College Station was renamed “Pearse Street Station” as part of the Celebrations for the 50^th Anniversary of the Easter Uprising that started just outside the doors of the police station.

Now I am sure a got a couple of mistakes in this history of War, Riots, Treason, and Nationalism, but it was fascinating.   I could tell Stephen Moore certainly enjoyed explaining “his” history. I enjoyed it myself. Even the wife learned a tad and got herself involved taking a picture of Garda Moore and me.

Last but not least was a large medal hanging on the wall issued to the force for winning a major Tug Of War Championship.  I took a picture of it, and then said my goodbyes to Stephen, who in a couple short hours revealed himself to be a man captured by his job and its history. I am Glad to call him friend. I also am glad to call H. S.  a friend too. He and the International Police Association (IPA) went the extra mile to make sure the wife and I enjoyed our visit to Dublin. We hope you enjoyed sharing the  "memories" we collected, and the pictures below.

(Display Case holding items given myself, - Dennis Beyer Photo)

(Garda Hat Badge similar to the one Spackman presented as a gift. Modled by authors Grandson – Dennis Beyer Photo)

(Medium size Garda Uniform Badges that adorns Dress Uniforms. – Dennis Beyer Photo)

(Vest Patch, equivalent of our “POLICE” markings on vests.  – Dennis Beyer Photo)

(International Police Assoc, Ireland Patch. The organization is very much involved  with the Garda, and was a most valuable asset in planning this trip. – Dennis Beyer Photo)

(Stephen Moore outside main entrance to Pearse Street Station – Dennis Beyer Photo)

(Sculpture carved above door to Pearse Street Station – Dennis Beyer Photograph)

(Second Sculpture over entry to Pearse Street Station  - Dennis Beyer Photo)

(PC NEWS, Staff Writer, Dennis Beyer at Front Desk – Lois Beyer Photo)

(Tug Of War 1894 Championship Medallion – Dennis Beyer Photo)

(A relic from The 1916 Easter Uprising. This Grenade was one of ten found in a sub floor of the Station. They were discovered in 1985 with this one being, one of two presented to the Pearse Street Station for display. – Photo by Dennis Beyer)

(Stephen Moore presenting Dennis Beyer with a book he authored,  titled “100 Pearse Street, A Centenary Celebration of Policing in the City” – Lois Beyer Photo)

 

(Pearse Street Station  - donated picture)

 

(Pearse Street Station, side view – donated photo)

*****