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Obverse Design
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Badge is in the shape of a Maltese cross with small arms. The center is round
with a smooth raised edge, and the outside of the badge has a smooth raised edge
as well. In the center is "98" (the badge number).
The top arm of the cross has a curved smooth banner with the legend "CANAL ZONE".
The left arm (as you look at the badge) has a hydrant from the
early 1900's. The right arm has a hook and a ladder. The lower arm has another
curved smooth bannner which reads "FIRE DEPT."
The entire badge has a textured background.
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Reverse Design
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Vertical pin back.
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Metal
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Unknown. Silver in color. Probably brass plated with nickel.
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Size and Shape
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38 mm by 38 mm (about 1½ inches by 1½ inches).
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Dates Issued
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Unknown. This type is tentatively identified as
the first professional Fire Department series, and is very similar to
the BG-50 first volunteer Fire Department series. Professional fire fighters
were first organized in November, 1906.
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Issurer
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Probably the Isthmian Canal Commission.
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Numbers Issued
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Pieces known include #98.
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Rarity
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Rare.
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Manufacturer
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Unknown.
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Source
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King Collection.
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Varieties
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None known.
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Function
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Fire Department vest badge.
I would appreciate
e-mail from anyone who can add anything to the history of these badges.
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