Obverse Design

Badge design is that of a shield with an eagle perched on top. The eagle has its wings spread, head ducked down and facing to our left. The eagle's wings sweep down below the feet. The 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 "PATROLMAN".

The shield has a center circle, which from the back looks like it was welded on. It has a smooth texture, a small center six-point star and lettering around the inside of the circle. From the lower left and curving around clockwise it says "U.S. NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY". Along the bottom of the circle it says ". CANAL ZONE .".

Above the circle is a banner. The banner curves up at the center and down at either end. However the tails of the banner tuck under and trail up. This banner has the word "SECURITY". Below the circle in another banner. The center of this banner curves down with the ends up. The tails at either side tuck underneath and then trail upwards. The banner reads "POLICE". Below this banner is a smooth area for the badge number. It is a rounded rectange with small points coming out at the center of each of the four sides. The example above is badge number "106". All lettering is incuse and the banners have smooth surfaces. The shield overall has a textured background and a raised ridge as the edge.

Reverse Design Vertical pin back.
Metal Most likely nickel-plated brass. Size and Shape About 53 mm wide by 82 mm high (2 1/8 inches by 3 3/16 inches).
Dates Issued Unknown. A previous owner tentatively attributed it to the 1940's.
Issurer U.S. Navy.
Numbers Issued Pieces include #106.
Rarity Rare. Manufacturer Unknown. Source Plumer Collection.
Varieties None known.
Function

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

Population Count Known specimens are as follows:
  1. Plumer Specimen, Badge #106 - Pictured above.