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, and is very similar
to the BG-10 (second badge type). This eagle is holding a banner in its mouth
which goes up on the eagle's left wing (the right of the image). The banner
has incuse lettering of "GUARD". The center of the shield has the
second seal of the Canal Zone with a freighter going through the locks.
There is a smooth circle around the inner seal with lettering which says
"PANAMA CANAL COMPANY" curving above the seal and "* 1950 *" curving below the
seal. These mottos are part of the second seal. Above the seal is a curving banner
which has tails trailing up from either end. The banner has the word "MOTOR".
Below the seal is another banner with tails scrolled up at either end. This banner
reads "TRANSPORTATION".
Below the shield is a smooth square for the badge number. The example above
was never issued a number. The shield
overall
has a textured background. The shield has a raised ridge as the edge.
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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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Unknown metal. Silver color.
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Size and Shape
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Probably the "standard" size of about 45mm wide by 65mm high (1 3/4 inches by
2 1/2 inches).
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Dates Issued
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Exact dates not known. The seal on the badge was designed in 1950 and used through
1978. Since
the BG-90 badge is very similar but uses the prior seal, this badge is tentatively
attributed to the early 1950's.
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Issurer
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The Panama Canal Company.
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Numbers Issued
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Pieces include unnumbered specimen piece above.
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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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King Collection.
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Varieties
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None known.
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Function
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Guard vest badge.
I would appreciate
e-mail from anyone who can add anything to the history of these badges.
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