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Obverse Design
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Badge is based around a center circle. Above the circle is a perched
eagle with spread wings. The eagle's head is ducked down and facing to
its right (our left). The center circle has an inner circle with
an elaborate design of
a ladder, crossed hooks, crossed hydrants and a fire hat all on top of each other.
There is a raised edge and then an outer smooth circle with lettering. It
has the location "COCO SOLO" above the inner circle and "FIRE DEPT." below.
To the right and left of the center are two dots or stars (the scan is not
clear). Above the inner circle and below the eagle is a banner which says
"FIREMAN". Below the circle is a wide box or small banner with the badge number
of "207". There is an elaborate leafy edge along the left, right and bottom of
the badge.
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Reverse Design
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Vertical pin back.
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Metal
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Unknown. Silver in color. Probably brass plated with nickel.
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Size and Shape
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About 36 mm by 50 mm.
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Dates Issued
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Unknown, but prior to July 1, 1956.
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Issurer
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United States Navy. Coco Solo is on the Atlantic side and was
for many years a submarine base. The fire department was run by
the Navy until July 1, 1956, at which time all the military fire
stations were turned over to the Panama Canal Company.
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Numbers Issued
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Pieces known include #207.
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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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Sales
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Recent sales include the 'teka2' sale on ebay to David King of
the piece pictured above (February 8, 2001, $128).
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Varieties
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None known.
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Function
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Fire Department vest badge.
I would appreciate
from anyone who can add anything to the history of these badges.
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