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Obverse Design
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Badge is based on a circle, with some decorations above and below the circle.
The top decorations are some leaves or branchs and a perched eagle with spread
wings. The eagle's head is down and facing to its right (our left).
The circle has an inner circle with two bugles facing down in the center. The bugle represents
an old-fashioned megaphone and is a symbol of authority. Fire department
officers at one time used these megaphones to direct fire fighters during a fire.
The inner
circle has a rope or beaded edge and then there is an outer circle. The outer circle
has lettering of "CAPTAIN" curving above and "CANAL ZONE" below. There is a
diamond design to the right and the left of the inner circle. Below the outer
circle is a leaf design coming to a blunt point. In the center of this
leaf design is a small shield shape with an incuse "F.D.". The inner circle of the badge
has a textured background.
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Reverse Design
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Vertical pin back. There is the manufacturer's name and location in three
lines: "RUSSELL", "UNIFORM CO." and "NEW YORK". Below that is another
line which reads "1/15-10K G.F".
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Metal
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Probably brass, gold-filled with 10K gold.
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Size and Shape
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About 42 mm by 61 mm.
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Dates Issued
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This badge type was used from sometime before
1956 until September 30, 1979. On that date the Fire Department was transitioned
to the Canal Commission. The Fire Department remained in one form
or another and is still there protecting the locks.
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Issurer
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Panama Canal Company.
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Rarity
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Very Rare.
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Manufacturer
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Russell Uniform Company of New York.
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Source
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'hp2xsg' Collection.
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Varieties
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None known.
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Function
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Fire Department 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:
- 'hp2xsg' Specimen - private collection, pictured above.
- 'panama_bob' Specimen - Sold on ebay by 'hp2xsg' to 'panama_bob' in new condition
(February 2, 2003, $102.50).
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