Obverse Design Badge is in the shape of a Maltese cross. The center circle has an elaborate design of a ladder, crossed hooks, a bugle crossed with an old straight tip nozzle and a fire hat all on top of each other. The circle is formed by a curving banner above and below the design. The top banner overlaps the bottom banner and has scrolled ends. The top banner has incuse lettering "VOLUNTEER FIREMAN" and the lower banner has incuse lettering "PANAMA CANAL". Below the lower banner is a rounded square with the badge number of "92". Above the upper banner is a fleur-de-lis. The cross arms have an inner raised smooth edge as well as a raised smooth outer edge. The badge has a textured background.
Reverse Design Vertical pin back. Back of badge has oval with the following: "C G Braxmar Co", "10 12", "Maiden Lane" and "NY".
Metal Unknown. Silver in color. Probably nickel plated brass. Size and Shape About 50 mm wide by 50 mm high (2 inches by 2 inches).
Dates Issued Unknown. Attributed by one seller on ebay to the 1915-1925 period.
Issurer Probably the Panama Canal Company.
Rarity Rare. Manufacturer C G Braxmar Company of 10 12 Maiden Lane, New York City, New York, USA. Source King Collection.
Varieties None known.
Function

Fire Department 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. Badge #92 - Sold on ebay by 'handts' to David King (January 13, 2001, $100).
  2. Badge #281 - David King Collection.
  3. Badge #301 - Sold on ebay by 'fire31' to 'panama_bob' (February 11, 2002, $101.50).

Another Example of BG-55.1
Picture of another BG-55.1
Scale: 4 pixels equals one millimeter