Thursday, October 25, 2018

RARE NEWARK BADGES OBTAINED BY THIS COLLECTOR




Take a look at these "Twins." Nice Curves. Starry Eyes. Golden Finish. What more could I want. These fine specimens are from another age - 1920's-30's. They definitely are not common, in the Badge Collector's World.

Lets look at the Top Badge first. It is a standard issue Newark Sergeant Badge of the 1920-30 time frame. She shows her age a little, but has no heavy duty scratches, or blemishes.  

She is stamped "POLICE, NEWARK, NJ," from the rear, so the letters are raised on the front side. At the Center is a distinctive City of Newark Seal.

Looking closer at this badge you will see a panel that was affixed to the top of this badge. It is stamped so the word "SERGEANT" appears, with recessed black enamel filled letters. At the very bottom is a similar panel, with the same recessed coloring. Inside this panel is the number "106". These panels look new, or perhaps the Lady just put on her "morning  make up." I think the enamel has been re-touched. It was that way when I purchased it. 

Over all this badge has no dents, dings, or scratches, but it is  worn. The pin is working, and a "C" Catch is present. The Item is Hallmarked by, Buchlein,  a local Newark maker.

Now lets look at the Second Badge. Although it is on the same body as the Sergeant's Shield, the panels are quite different.

The first panel, with recessed letters, reads " SERGEANT STENOGRAPHER." The lower panel carries the number 1. This Badge is unique. I have never seen another. This badge could very well be a one of a kind.

I have seen similar badges from Newark. The difference is in the panels. Two, that I own, are for: "Telephone Operator," and "Asst. Chief, Identification Bureau." See the pictures below.





While this appears to be a specialty badge, I do know that stenographers were a part of the Newark  Police Dept. I know the creation of a badge for a "Stenographer" had legitimate roots in the Newark NJ of the 1930's.

One Newark Stenographer found some fame for just doing his job. It was on October 23, 1935 that F. J. Lang, a Police Stenographer, was called to take down the last words of Arthur Flegenheimer, a.k.a. Dutch Schultz.

The record Lang produced became a subject of study by Criminologists and Movie Producers. Given the History of Mr Lang, and the infamous Dutch Schultz, I wonder,  if He could be the Stenographer that was issued the Badge I now own. The answer of course remains a mystery. The Badge, however has become an item I value quite a bit. It is in one of my usual glass faced display cases. 

I certainly enjoy seeing these Badges on a daily basis. They bring memories of Newark to the front of my mind, where they ignite a nice feeling of pride and satisfaction for my Collection. 

Sunday, October 14, 2018

TOP COP COLLECTION: LEONIA CHIEF


TOP COP COLLECTION: LEONIA CHIEF


*****

Leonia is in Bergen County, N.J.  It is number Twelve in my TOP COP COLLECTION.

This Community is only a few minutes away, except during the morning rush hour, from New York City. Then it takes days to get over the George Washington Bridge.

When it is time to go to work the population of roughly 9000 sees itself drop to near ghost town numbers. There are only a few souls left in the community. The kids are present along with their teachers. Also present is the Leonia Police.  

The Cops do a good job, keeping this community safe. Even though this is a safe place to live, it also has a horror tale in its' history. An infamous Shoe Maker, and his thirteen year old son, put Leonia on the map almost fifty years ago. The exact date was Jan. 8, 1975.

"The Shoe Maker," was one Joseph Kallinger. He gained entrance into a home  by pretending to be an Insurance Salesman. Once in the house he subdued all occupants, and then waited for other family members to return home.

Maria Fasching , age 21, was the final person to come into the house that day. She was a Nurse, and stopped in to make a routine check on a neighbor. She found utter horror that day. The young woman didn't cave in to the threats of her captor. She held her ground. She boldly confronted Kallinger. She died for her efforts. 

A surviving witness stated that Miss Fasching, "admonished Kallinger for his aberrant behavior."  He admonished her by cutting her throat. 

Kallinger was eventually captured in Pennsylvania. He drew a 40 year sentence for his crimes in that State. While institutionalized the crazy-man repeatedly verbalized a desire to "kill every person on Earth."  As an inmate he somehow got lighter fluid and poured it over himself,  lighting it, and then tried to "fry an egg on his head."  I'll have mine well done !

I am glad this "Shoemaker Story" is not an every day event in Leonia.  I am also very glad to have this old shield from their good community. It is very simple, and traditional. It simply reads: Leonia  Police Department. The rank panel reads: CHIEF.

Like the others in this Collection I keep this Badge in a locked Display Case. I see it every day, and it triggers the memory of that horrible day fifty some years ago.




Tuesday, October 9, 2018

"FOR THEIR VALOR" - ORLANDO LUNCHEON FOR NY HEROES DEC 8 2018





Friday, October 5, 2018

TOP COP COLLECTION: LINDEN



Continuing with my "Top Cop Collection," this is the Eleventh badge that has reached its' way to my little museum down here in Sunny Florida. It is from Linden, somewhere in my Old Home State of  New Jersey.

I felt like an explorer looking for this dot on a map of Jersey. I always do that to see if it makes something "pop" in my memory files. Nothing happened !

As I was hunting around the internet, my wife came into my Den. I shot her a quick question, to derail whatever was on her mind saying: "Have you ever heard of Linden?" She replied, "Yeah, sure," and remained at my desk.

Seeing this beautiful badge she said, "Where did you get that one." I told her,  "I got it from another collector, at a show up in Orlando,  a few years ago."

She still wanted me to do something. I could just sense it. I continued to hold her off by saying: "Look at the silver toned eagle sitting on a standard Jersey shield finished with a gold tone."  Standard yes, but uniquely different at the same time.  I said, "Beautiful isn't it ?"

I moved my fingers to the N.J. State Seal. I pointed out the silver toned wreath under the Seal and remarked: "I have never seen anything like it." Along with bold blue lettering. this badge was impressive. I stared at it wondering, what great tales about Linden would I soon unearth. I also kept  wondering about what was on my wife's mind. My questions would soon be answered.

Sure enough, the wife allowed herself to get free from this badge, that somehow had captured her heart. (Yeah, I don't believe that either). She announced: "Don't forget tomorrow. You are taking my mother to the doctors!" 

Her Mother recently moved, to our little house, in the "Lightning Capital of the World" from, "Yup," Linden, N.J.  Maybe I was trying to forget that little dot on the 
map !

My mumble was quite clear, "Yeah, I know about your Mothers' Doctors appointment." I rubbed my eyes, and suddenly I got hit with "de ja vu" all over againThat means, I "Remembered Something Big" about Linden, N.J.  It was the "Big Explosion at the Oil Refinery." I put the badge down and started googling.

I read that this was a "Major Disaster." It took place in late 1970. The Blast woke every single person in Linden, Neighboring Communities, and 40 miles up the Hudson River. It was The Bayway Refinery, that around 11:00 PM, had exploded !  It caused  flames to soar 100' into the air. They were seen for miles in both New York and New Jersey.

Linden Police spearheaded a Response that included both Police and Fire contingents from all local Stations, Neighboring Communities, Staten Island, as well as Manhattan.  

The Police closed off all incoming traffic and helped move the injured to local hospitals. They patrolled the business area, looking for looters, as well as working the scene of this Disaster.

Reports indicated that there were numerous injuries, but apparently no fatalities. That was amazing. Somebody was watching over Linden, The Workers at the Bayway Plant, and the fine members of their Police Department that night. Thank God.

With that last thought I'll put this fine badge back, in its locked oak and glass display case, and find a quiet spot to put the rest of my day in serious thought.  I resurrected some memories, that will come to mind when I see this badge in my collection.

And yes, I remembered to take my mother-in-law to the doctors'. I can end this story knowing She remains in good health. 

I have a Beautiful Collectors Item with this Badge, and most important, I am not in any trouble with the wife, until I find another old badge.



  










Monday, September 17, 2018

CORRECTION: GEORGIA PATCH AND BADGE SHOW



ATTENTION  COLLECTORS


The telephone number given for Holiday Inn Express, as reported in PC NEWS, is incorrect.

The correct number is  478  994-9697

Saturday, September 8, 2018

ORLANDO - POLICE BADGE AND PATCH SHOW



ORLANDO -  POLICE BADGE AND PATCH SHOW
by
Dennis Beyer  with  Doug Sarrubi

Oh my God. Has time passed ever so fast. I can't believe I traveled all the way to Orlando, AGAIN! The fact is, I did do it AGAIN. That means another year has passed, and it was time for the 2018 edition of the "Vacation Capital Police Badge and Patch Show."

On arrival I immediately spent a few minutes with John Holmes and Doug Surubbi. Once again they are the Hosts for the Show. They were quite busy, so I went about my business, and set up my display.

I took a couple tables this year, and brought  only items relating to my Newark Police Display. I usually focus on that part of my collection anyway, so this year, I just made it a "tad smaller."

I have been collecting over 50 years! I have some cool old items, as well as some items that I call, Unique. That means, the Badge was for someone other then a police officer. You would be surprised at all the different titles there are. Some day I plan to show "all  my uniques."

Just a few weeks ago I added a one-of-a-kind Badge that has a unique title. I took it to Orlando just to show it off.  It was made for a Sergeant StenographerThe finish is gold fill on a badge typically used for a Newark Sergeant during the early 1900's. To complete the markings on this rare item, is the "number one" at the bottom, with "POLICE and NEWARK" flanking The City Seal. Take a look.  


After I got my Displays set correctly on the tables, I let my wife "guard" them so I could walk the floor of the huge Ballroom. It was set for 100 tables. The room was packed, and deals were being made. 

During my walking tour, I said, "Hello," to several members of our great Hobby. I even managed to purchase "thirteen badges" for my collection. The Pequannock Chief, below, was just one of my "finds" at this year's Show.



Well that's enough on my interests. There were a number of displays to see. I managed to see all the exhibits, and talk with a few old friends. Let me show you a couple of the Exhibitors with their prized badges and patches.

First all participants of the Show are greeted outside the Ballroom by the lovely Megan who for the last few years has been helping her dad, Doug Sarrubi with the Registration Table.

Inside the Ballroom were nearly one hundred people. I walked through the masses clicking a picture to share every so often. I caught some Table Holders by surprise. Below are   two examples of people enjoying the Show. The first man has a cool collection of Challenge Coins. The people in the second picture are looking at exhibits.





Moving around the floor I found John Radcliffe who was holding down a few tables next to my display. John showed off this nice collection of Patches from Pinellas County, Fl. He also had a neat decal from Pittsburgh Pa.







Around the corner from John,  a collector  displayed Philadelphia Officer's Badge, ID, Gun, and Blackjack. The display was originally owned by Sgt. Robert Olley. He was a Detective with the Philadelphia Police Dept.



After moving on, I saw Veteran Collector Rick Amos. He is always here. He told me he was enjoying the Show, and then added He found a nice old Los Angeles Police Badge. This made him quite happy. That purchase is going to be a nice addition to his, already impressive, "L.A. Collection." This might be the biggest "find" of the Show.



Before my feet got overwhelmed from walking, I  managed to click some pictures to share. Here are a few presented in random order from various displays.






    











The U.S. Capital Police and Inauguration Badges were featured at a couple of different displays. I must say they were all super attractive. 

The display that really caught my eye is the last one pictured above. The light blue paper alerts visitors that "All Badges for Sale." 

The large white paper advises that these are Presidential Inauguration Badges. These Inauguration Badges represent one Badge for every year that a Badge was ever issued. 

The little white paper (3rd from left) on the table establishes the price - $18,000Simply fabulous!!!!!!



At the conclusion of the show awards were given to:
    
 JEFF  PEELER   
BEST PATCH

(Left/Right  Ron Barthalome, John Holmes, Jeff Peeler, and Doug Surrubi)  
          

   
   
   LEWIS SURREY       
BEST BADGE

(Left/Right John Holmes, Lewis Surrey, Ron Barthalome, and Doug Sarubbi)








GEORGE MOTLEY

  BEST OVER  ALL



(Left/Right  Ron Barthalome, Keith Bushey,  Doug Sarubbi, John Holmes. and Meghan Sarubbi)  
       
  



       
  RON KUCH
   PATCH  DROP
    WINNER


(Doug Sarubbi, Ron Kuch and John Holmes)               

                                                          

A New "Donut Hole Award" was presented for being the"Coolest Persons" at this years' "Vacation Capital Show." The winners, pictured below are:



(Doug Sarubbi, with his daughter MEGAN; John Barthalome, and John Holmes)                                                                                  


CONGRATULATIONS to all Winners, and Our Thanks to Doug Sarubbi, and John Holmes for a job well done!


*********

Monday, August 13, 2018

DON'T FORGET ORLANDO SHOW ON SEPTEMBER 1 ST.

Hey Readers I hope you don't forget the big show coming up on Sep. 1.

It will be held at the ROSEN PLAZA on International Drive.

My sources say the show is "Sold Out" with over 100 tables set to fill the room. I reserved a couple early on to make sure I got a nice spot. I have even bribed my Grand Son to help me out.

I hope to see some old badges, and new faces. Bring a smile and get one back. Take care Guys.