Old West & Native American Auction
Lot 1481:
Description
This is a fantastic piece of early 20th-century American law enforcement memorabilia: a six-pointed star badge for a West Lafayette Deputy Marshal. The badge, likely made of nickel-plated brass or possibly silvered bronze, features bold, block lettering and a classic Old West-style star design. The reverse clearly shows the maker’s mark as “MUHLHAUPT & SON LAFAYETTE, IND,” identifying the manufacturer as a regional badge and jewelry maker from Lafayette, Indiana, which is the county seat for the city of West Lafayette. This mark suggests the badge was locally sourced, which is a common trait of early police badges. The condition is Very Good for its age, exhibiting a pleasing, worn patina consistent with years of use, along with light surface scratches and tarnish but no significant dings or major losses to the metal or plating. The pin-back clasp is intact and appears functional. H 2.5″, W 2.25″. From the Western display in Donley’s Wild West Town.
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