The badge of the Aurora, Nevada Vigilante, 1864
This badge was worn by several officers who suffered serious injuries and even death. The badge was retired by the police chief as bad luck!This badge was worn by Constable Spicer of the Third District, Washington DC in 1861 prior to the formation of the Washington DC Metropolitan Police Department.
The badge is the symbol of the law enforcement officer. Be it a shield, star, circle, or radiator style, the badge represents a profession of bravery, integrity, and dedication to serving mankind in the worst of conditions and situations.
Law enforcement officers face each day carrying one of the most complex responsibilities. They must make life or death decisions within seconds but their decision will be examined and scrutinized by many for years. They must be doctors, lawyers, firefighters, supermen, and soldiers of the streets but must tread ever so gently so as to not violate any feelings or rights.
Their ranks are not without fault but there is no other profession in this land that better polices their own to weed out those who would dishonor their badge.
Law enforcement officers face each day carrying one of the most complex responsibilities. They must make life or death decisions within seconds but their decision will be examined and scrutinized by many for years. They must be doctors, lawyers, firefighters, supermen, and soldiers of the streets but must tread ever so gently so as to not violate any feelings or rights.
Their ranks are not without fault but there is no other profession in this land that better polices their own to weed out those who would dishonor their badge.
The Silver State Peace Officers Museum maintains one of the largest and finest United States law enforcement badge collections known with badges dating to 1841. We are always seeking additions to this spectacular collection so contact us if you have badges that you are selling or willing to donate/loan for exhibit.
The badge of the Manchester, New Hampshire Police Department is an unusual style in modern days but was quite common to east coast law enforcement during the nineteenth century. 
This folded point star was the very first issued badge of the New York City Municipal Police Force in 1854.
BADGES OF HONOR
The badge of the Washoe County Sheriff's Office in Reno, Nevada worn early in the twentieth century. Six-point sterling silver star of the Modoc County, California Sheriff's Office, ca 1920. The traditional true western lawman badge.
Police Badges