Old West & Native American Auction
Lot 1479:
Description
This is a highly desirable original Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Police badge, a classic piece of American railroad and law enforcement history. The badge is a traditional six-pointed star, likely made of nickel or plated brass, with the lettering “C.M. & St. P. Ry. POLICE” deeply impressed and blackened for contrast. The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway (also known as “The Milwaukee Road”) was a major player in the golden age of railroading. This style of badge, a six-pointed star with this particular font and layout, strongly suggests a late 19th- to early 20th-century era of production. The reverse features a typical early heavy-duty pin and hook attachment and is clearly marked with the maker’s name: “SCHWAAB S & C. CO. MILWAUKEE”. This maker’s mark is a key identifier, as Schwaab was a well-known supplier of police and fraternal items. The badge is numbered “68” on the back, indicating the officer’s specific patrol number. The condition is Very Good Antique Condition with honest wear consistent with age and use; there are surface scratches and scuffing across the front and back, and some residual tarnish/patina, especially around the pin mechanism. The black infill in the lettering is mostly intact, and the edges show expected wear. The pin is secure and functional. H 3.25″, W 2.75″ From the Western display in Donley’s Wild West Town.
Share this lot:
