Obverse Design Badge is in the shape of a shield. Perched on top of the badge is an eagle with spread wings. The eagle's head is ducked down and looking up to its right (our left). The center has a seal on a stylized shield. The seal has another shield on it, two crossed rifles and a sword and some other details (all very small). To our left of the seal is a "G" and to our right is an "N". These initials are for "Guardia Nacional" or "National Guard". There is a curved smooth banner above the seal says "POLICIA" which means "POLICE". Below the seal is a large smooth square with the badge number of "2856". The entire badge except for the eagle has a raised rope edge. The badge has a textured background.
Reverse Design Vertical pin with hinge at the top center and a catch at the bottom center.
Metal Unknown. Silver in color, and wears to a bright copper color. Probably nickel-plated brass. Size and Shape 44 mm wide at the wingtips, 43 mm wide at the widest part of the shield by 63 mm high (about 1 3/4 inches by 2 1/2 inches).
Dates Issued Exact dates unknown. The "Guardia Nacional" existed from 1953 to 1984, but these badges continued to be used by the "Fuerza Defensa" (Panama Defense Force or PDF) which existed until December, 1989. At that time, these badges were probably retired.
Issurer National Guard of Panama. This was the name of the military/police force of Panama from 1953 to 1984.
Numbers Issued Pieces held by collectors include #21, #215, #668, #2471, #2852 and #2856.
Rarity Common. Manufacturer Unknown. Other Catalog Numbers None.
Population Count Six examples of this badge in collector hands are known to me. Recent sales include:
  1. #21 - Auction sale on eBay on April 24, 2006 for $50.00.
  2. #2852 - Auction sale on ebay on July 27, 2001 for $51.00.
  3. #253 - Auction sale on ebay on June 24, 2001 for $43.00.
  4. #668 - Auction sale on ebay on April 22, 2001 for $24.00.
Varieties None known.
Function

Police vest badge. I would appreciate e-mail from anyone who can add anything to the history of these badges.


Panama PDF member wearing a BG-125.1 vest badge and a BG-125.2 hat badge (1988 photo)
Guardia Nacional member wearing a BG-125.1

Reverse Side of Badge
Reverse side of a BG-125.1
Scale: 4 pixels equals one millimeter

Other Examples of BG-125.1
Picture of a BG-125.1 Picture of a BG-125.1 Picture of a BG-125.1
Scale: 4 pixels equals one millimeter
Alan Levy can be reached by e-mail if you have a Panama badge for sale.