LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 Collection of Western History #680  / 

74229

A gold Dallas Chief of Police badge, 1921

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Historical Memorabilia Start Price:16,000.00 USD Estimated At:16,000.00 - 18,000.00 USD
A gold Dallas Chief of Police badge, 1921
<B>DALLAS, TEXAS CHIEF OF POLICE ELMO STRAIT'S FINE ENGRAVED SOLID GOLD PRESENTATION BADGE CIRCA 1921</B></I> - This stunning and rare badge is one of the finest Dallas, Texas lawman items ever to be offered for sale. It is a solid gold eagle-topped shield suspension badge, with very sharp engraving and blue-fired enamel. The detail and quality of engraving on the Eagle is equal to any badge encountered in the collecting field. The badge is dated June 1, 1921 on the reverse side of the shield, which is made in three parts. This important badge signified the promotion of Elmo Straight to Chief of Police on June 1, 1921. The pin catch is a simple swivel-type with a flat tongue catch. The badge is jeweler-made, possibly locally, and measures 1.75“x 3“ high including the top portion with the pin and enamel identification, the shield itself is 2.75” high.<BR><BR>Elmo Straight was appointed by the City Council to make sweeping reforms, and he demoted many Captains and the Chief of Detectives. He soon found himself embroiled in the controversy that the Ku Klux Klan brought when they began marching and speaking against minorities. Soon after this was the incident in which a young African-American man named Alex Johnson was beaten and branded following his “association” with a white woman at a hotel where he worked downtown. Elmo Straight devised the Police Reserve system that is now used, but resigned his position after only a year and a month of service. This is a very attractive and classic badge, showing superior workmanship.<I> From The George Jackson Collection.</B></I><BR><BR>Stowers, Carlton. <B><I>Partners in Blue</B></I>,</B></I> Dallas, Texas. Taylor Publishing Company, 1983.<BR><BR><B>Condition:</B></I> As new, a presentation badge with original finish and clasp.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Miscellaneous Collectibles, Smal (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
Sign In to Bookmark Lot