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Obverse Design
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Badge is in the shape of a shield. Perched on top of the badge is an eagle
with spread wings. The eagle's head is ducked down and looking up to its right
(our left). The center has a seal on a stylized shield. The seal has another
shield on it, two crossed rifles and a sword and some other details (all very
small). To our left of the seal is a "G" and to our right is an "N". These
initials are for "Guardia Nacional" or "National Guard". There is a curved smooth
banner above the seal says "POLICIA" which means "POLICE". Below the seal is
a large smooth square with the badge number of "2856". The entire badge except
for the eagle has a raised rope edge. The badge has a textured background.
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Reverse Design
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Vertical pin with hinge at the top center and a catch at the bottom center.
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Metal
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Unknown. Silver in color, and wears to a bright copper color.
Probably nickel-plated brass.
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Size and Shape
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44 mm wide at the wingtips, 43 mm wide at the widest part of the shield by
63 mm high (about 1 3/4 inches by 2 1/2 inches).
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Dates Issued
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Exact dates unknown. The "Guardia Nacional" existed from 1953 to 1984, but these
badges continued to be used by the "Fuerza Defensa" (Panama Defense Force or PDF)
which existed until December, 1989. At that time, these badges may have been
retired.
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Issurer
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National Guard of Panama. This was the name of the military/police force of Panama
from 1953 to 1984.
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Numbers Issued
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Pieces held by collectors include #215, #668, #2471, #2852 and #2856.
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Rarity
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Very Rare.
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Manufacturer
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Unknown.
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Source
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King Collection, Levy Collection, Plowman Collection.
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Sales
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Recent sales include the 'eclecticollectr' sale on ebay to Jorge Proctor of
#2852 (July 27, 2001, $51), 'eclecticollectr' sale on ebay to 'bmc8410' of
#253 (June 24, 2001, $43), 'eclecticollectr' sale on ebay to David Plowman of
#668 (April 22, 2001, $24).
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Varieties
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None known.
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Function
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Police vest badge.
I would appreciate
e-mail from anyone who can add anything to the history of these badges.
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