Obverse Design Badge is shaped like a shield, with some leafy branches along the bottom edge making the bottom wider than the top. The top edge is decorative and has four rounded protusions. On each side rim are seven small dot ornaments. The center has the badge number of "293" and above it a design of a fire hat on top of a bugle crossed with an old straight tip nozzle.. Above the fire hat design is a curved banner that reads "CANAL ZONE". Below the badge number is another banner which reads "FIRE DEPARTMENT". The badge has a textured background. The design is very similar to the BG-60.1 Volunteer Fireman badge.
Reverse Design Probably a pin back. To be determined.
Metal Unknown. Silver in color. Probably brass plated with nickel. Size and Shape Unknown; most likely 57 mm wide by 60 mm high (about 2 1/4 inches by 2 3/8 inches) which are about the dimensions of BG-60.1.
Dates Issued Unknown. Attributed to 1925 or earlier by Mike Fitzpatrick.
Issurer Probably the Panama Canal Company.
Rarity Rare. Manufacturer Unknown. Source Sale on ebay by '4bravo' (Mike Fitzpatrick).
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 #293 - Sold on ebay by '4bravo' to 'cptjoe52c@netzero.com (December 23, 2001, $75).

Reverse Side of Badge
Reverse side of a BG-62.1
Scale: 4 pixels equals one millimeter