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Obverse Design
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Badge is in the shape of a Maltese cross. The center is round with a rope edge.
The outside of the badge has a smooth raised edge. In the center is "3"
(the badge number).
The top arm of the cross has a curved smooth banner with the location name of
"CULEBRA". The left arm (as you look at the badge) has a hydrant from the
early 1900's. The right arm has a hook and a ladder. The lower arm has another curved
smooth bannner which reads "C.Z.V.F.D" for Canal Zone Volunteer Fire Department.
The entire badge has a textured background.
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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. Silver in color. Probably nickel-plated brass.
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Size and Shape
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About 44mm wide by 44mm high (1 3/4 inches by 1 3/4 inches).
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Dates Issued
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Unknown. This series is tentatively identified as a construction era type of Canal
Zone Fire Department badges. The volunteer fire departments were organized
starting in December, 1905.
This is probably the third type issued of the three similar varieties.
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Issurer
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Probably the Isthmian Canal Commission. Culebra was the location of the
deepest cut through the continental divide, and was a major construction
site from the beginning to the end of canal construction.
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Numbers Issued
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Pieces known include #3.
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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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Picture on cover of the Canal Zone Review, 1976 Bicentennial Edition.
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Sales
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None known.
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Varieties
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There are three similar varieties. The first type has a place name at the top,
"V.F.D." at the bottom and never mentions the Canal Zone. The second type is
identical except that "CANAL ZONE PANAMA" has been added in small incuse letters
on the field around the badge number.
The third type has "C.Z.V.F.D." at the bottom to identify the Canal Zone, and
does not have the small "CANAL ZONE PANAMA" legend.
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Function
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Fire Department vest badge.
I would appreciate
e-mail from anyone who can add anything to the history of these badges.
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Population Count
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Known specimens are as follows:
- Badge #3 - Featured on the Canal Zone Review cover, 1976 Bicentennial Edition.
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