Taunton Police Badge
This badge is an odd duck. The style is often claimed by collectors to be the first badge used by the Taunton Police Department in 1865. The badge is obviously a non-stock hand made badge. I have yet to find documentary evidence of the use of this badge and it may be unlikely any exists. My issues with this badge is the fact that the rank Sergeant has been engraved on it. The position of Sergeant was created in 1912, over fifty years after this badge is reported to have been used. There are two potential explanations. First, it could have been brought out of moth balls to provide a Sergeant's badge in 1912 when the position was created. secondly. in 1939 during the City's tri-centennial, old style police uniforms were worn for some of the ceremonies. I have seen pictures of helmets with octagon badges on them which were not period correct. During this time the badge could have been engraved for use in one of these mock ups.