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Obverse Design
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Badge is in the shape of a Maltese cross. The center circle has
an elaborate design of
a ladder, crossed hooks, crossed hydrants 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.
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Reverse Design
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Vertical pin back. Back of badge has oval with the following: "C G Braxmar Co",
"10 12", "Maiden Lane" and "NY".
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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 50 mm wide by 50 mm high (2 inches by 2 inches).
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Dates Issued
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Unknown. Tentatively identified as the second type of Canal Zone volunteer fireman
badge, and issued after 1914 when the Panama Canal Company replaced the Isthmian
Canal Commission.
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Issurer
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Probably the Panama Canal Company.
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Numbers Issued
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Pieces known include #92 and #281.
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Rarity
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Rare.
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Manufacturer
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C G Braxmar Company of New York.
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Source
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King Collection.
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Sales
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Recent sales include the 'handts' sale on ebay to David King of
the piece pictured above (January 13, 2001, $100).
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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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