CHICAGO SPECIAL POLICE PATROLMAN Obsolete Badge Eagle, River “Y” C.H. Hanson Co.

CHICAGO SPECIAL POLICE PATROLMAN Obsolete Badge Eagle, River “Y” C.H. Hanson Co.:
$275.00

CHICAGO SPECIAL POLICE PATROLMAN BADGE | No. 4511 | Approx. 3.2 x 2.5 inches | C.H. Hanson Co. Chicago

Condition: Very Good/Antique

Comments: Scarce, obsolete original Special Police Patrolman’s badge, with functioning saddle pin and leather backing.

From the collection of a family with a direct connection to the 1886 Haymarket Square Riot, the silver badge features a badge number in copper, an eagle on top, and the Chicago Municipal Device in the center panel. (The municipal device is the “Y” shaped figure, which represents the Chicago River’s three branches.)

It has been suggested that this badge was worn by officers responsible for patrolling the network of tunnels and buildings near the river. We were unable to find a reliable indication as to the dates when was in use, but we offer the following historical detour for your consideration:

The municipal device was created in 1892 for a Chicago Tribune contest. In 1917 the City Council made the flag, seal and municipal device official city symbols. The “Y” can be found on structures and buildings all across the city, although it was eventually eclipsed by the flag. (The latter’s popularity was only part of the story. By the 1960s the device was disfavored by cops in particular, as it resembled an upside-down peace symbol).

From this we can infer that the badge dates from sometime between 1917 and the early 1960s. The device was frequently incorporated into Chicago buildings constructed as part of the New Deal’s WPA program, which was signed into law by FDR in 1935. The badges were issued serially, hence no. 4511 would presumably have been issued years after the badge’s introduction. Hence we surmise that it dates from the early 1940s.

That’s obviously a guess, and we welcome any corrections. Buyers should rely on their own knowledge of the item’s history.

For additional guidance, please review the listing photos, as well as our exceptional customer response history.

Ships fast in an archival sleeve, complete with cardboard/bubblewrap surround and weather-resistant packaging. Your satisfaction is our top priority. -allsetbooks