EARLY BADGES
Click on images to enlarge.
Possibly the rarest circa 1907 badge known to exist from
the Los Angeles Sheriff's Office. This sterling hand
engraved badge is for the rank of Criminal Deputy and is
unique with the words County Police. A term seldom seen
or used in California. This badge was part of the Orval
Davis collection and was mounted on his Los Angeles
County board.
Hallmarked Chipron Stamp Co. and Sterling.
the Los Angeles Sheriff's Office. This sterling hand
engraved badge is for the rank of Criminal Deputy and is
unique with the words County Police. A term seldom seen
or used in California. This badge was part of the Orval
Davis collection and was mounted on his Los Angeles
County board.
Hallmarked Chipron Stamp Co. and Sterling.
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From the collection of
M. Belo
M. Belo
During the tenure of Sheriff John Cline 1914-1921 the County Board of Supervisors introduced a plan to change the design of
the badge worn by deputy sheriffs. The old badges had an eagle mounted atop the shield. The new design replaced the eagle
with a walking bear.
the badge worn by deputy sheriffs. The old badges had an eagle mounted atop the shield. The new design replaced the eagle
with a walking bear.
"Guard" badge issued to civilian personnel
supervising inmate work groups.
supervising inmate work groups.
Another example of an early badge.
Replaced the bear top badge in the '20's.
from the collection of J.R. Sanders
Replaced the bear top badge in the '20's.
from the collection of J.R. Sanders
Later example of the "Guard"
badge.
badge.
Detective from the District
Attorneys Office.
Attorneys Office.
Reverse of the two "A" badges showing
them as presented by Sheriff Traeger to
a Doctor and by Sheriff Biscailuz to the
screen star, Nelson Eddy.
them as presented by Sheriff Traeger to
a Doctor and by Sheriff Biscailuz to the
screen star, Nelson Eddy.
Examples of the so called "Biscailuz" badge. Although
the practice of handing out these V.I.P. badges started
with Sheriff Traeger, Sheriff Biscailuz seems to get the
credit for most of them, hence the name.
the practice of handing out these V.I.P. badges started
with Sheriff Traeger, Sheriff Biscailuz seems to get the
credit for most of them, hence the name.
"Special Deputy" badge. Elected in 1914, Sheriff John
Cline appointed almost nine thousand special deputies.
Although these were merely honorary appointments,
usually made for political purposes, the appointees
received official badges.
Cline appointed almost nine thousand special deputies.
Although these were merely honorary appointments,
usually made for political purposes, the appointees
received official badges.
Two badges above from the collection of L. Carter
Special Deputy. Unknown
era. Style similar to some
township badges.
From the collection of M.
Belo
era. Style similar to some
township badges.
From the collection of M.
Belo
In the 1920's, the State of California had no Highway Patrol, so the counties
provided "Motor Police" to enforce traffic laws. While the State paid the
motor cops salaries, they actually worked for the county. Los Angeles
County was no different.
In 1923, a California Supreme Court decision made it illegal for counties to
employ traffic officers which let to the formation of the California Highway
Patrol. The CHP was finally formed on August 14, 1929 and originally
included 280 uniformed men, 80 cars and 225 motorcycles. The first
superintendent was Eugene W. Biscailuz who, when he was appointed by the
Governor, was the Undersheriff of Los Angeles County.
provided "Motor Police" to enforce traffic laws. While the State paid the
motor cops salaries, they actually worked for the county. Los Angeles
County was no different.
In 1923, a California Supreme Court decision made it illegal for counties to
employ traffic officers which let to the formation of the California Highway
Patrol. The CHP was finally formed on August 14, 1929 and originally
included 280 uniformed men, 80 cars and 225 motorcycles. The first
superintendent was Eugene W. Biscailuz who, when he was appointed by the
Governor, was the Undersheriff of Los Angeles County.
Another "Special" badge.
This one set with stones.
Diamonds?
This one set with stones.
Diamonds?
The above pictures and narrative with permission from D. Arnold.
Check out his site:
www.badgesource.com
Check out his site:
www.badgesource.com
The above of a group of very early badges is courtesy of Robert Zaricor. He brought these, and others, to
the 2006 Porky's Show for me to photograph. His participation in the furthering of the goals of this website
are greatly appreciated.
the 2006 Porky's Show for me to photograph. His participation in the furthering of the goals of this website
are greatly appreciated.
This group of badges courtesy of Andy
Thompson collection.
Thompson collection.
These badges are from the collection of William
Unland.
Unland.
This badge made by Chipron Stamp Co.
as shown in reverse picture.
as shown in reverse picture.
Reverse of badge
2618D. I have found
many of these with
the "D". Duplicate?
2618D. I have found
many of these with
the "D". Duplicate?
Another example of a "D" badge. This one has been
plated "gold". This plating was often done to enhance
its appearance. Chipron hallmark.
plated "gold". This plating was often done to enhance
its appearance. Chipron hallmark.
Early Constable badge by George Schenck Co. Los
Angeles
Angeles
A very old Constable Badge, A Redondo Township Badges, and a L.A.
B.D. Badge. Los Angeles Burglary Division???
from the collection of Max Schad. pdcollector@gmail.com
B.D. Badge. Los Angeles Burglary Division???
from the collection of Max Schad. pdcollector@gmail.com
Reverse of above "Special"
badge with stones.
badge with stones.
Nice old Constable
badge with "Circus"
lettering.
badge with "Circus"
lettering.
Badge issued in 1912 to
first woman deputy,
Margaret Q. Adams
first woman deputy,
Margaret Q. Adams
This badge was issued to Margaret Q.
Adams, the first woman deputy for
LASD and the nation. She was sworn
in by Sheriff William Hammel.
This badge has been kept by her family.
Adams, the first woman deputy for
LASD and the nation. She was sworn
in by Sheriff William Hammel.
This badge has been kept by her family.
"A" Badge with inscription from
Sheriff Biscailuz
Sheriff Biscailuz
This example was used in the late teens
and early twentys. It replaced the bear
top shield which was not popular with
the troops. It was obtained from the
estate of a retired deputy who had
joined the Department right after
World War I. For more info, click here.
The Rubber Stamp Co. logo is raised
rather than stamped.
and early twentys. It replaced the bear
top shield which was not popular with
the troops. It was obtained from the
estate of a retired deputy who had
joined the Department right after
World War I. For more info, click here.
The Rubber Stamp Co. logo is raised
rather than stamped.