Obverse Design
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Top has perched eagle, wings spread, head ducked down and facing right. This eagle
has the wings swept down below the feet.
The eagle is on a circle whose center is the first seal of the canal
(with the Spanish Galleon and the sea level canal). There is a smooth circle
around the seal with lettering. All lettering is incuse. The lettering
says "CANAL ZONE" curving above the seal and "POLICE" curving below. On the same
circle there is one five pointed star to the right and one to the left of the seal.
The stars are below the center.
The larger circle has a textured background and a border design done with a
plant that looks similar to corn. Below the larger circle is an elongated
hollow hexagon. Mounted on the hexagon is the rank "SERGEANT". The elongated
hexagon and the letters are smooth.
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Reverse Design
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Probably a pin back. To be determined.
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Metal
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Most likely brass.
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Size and Shape
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About 65mm wide by 65mm high (2 1/2 inches by 2 1/2 inches).
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Dates Issued
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The matching vest badge appears to have come into use in the late 1930's and were
used through the end of the Canal Zone Police term of service on March 31, 1982. Most
likely these hat badges were used during the same timeframe.
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Issurer
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The Panama Canal Company.
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Numbers Issued
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Not numbered.
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Rarity
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Rare.
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Manufacturer
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Unknown.
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Source
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Panama Canal Review, October 1, 1979 issue, centerfold.
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Varieties
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None known.
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Function
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Police hat badge.
I would appreciate
from anyone who can add anything to the history of these badges.
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