Old West Sheriff Badges
A LITTLE HISTORY…
Confronted with serious issues of crime, disorder, vice, and violence, the pioneers of the old West turned to members of their communities to enforce order. The office of sheriff was a natural addition in this environment. Selection could be made by appointment, or in most cases by popular vote from community residents to select a sheriff.
The county-wide jurisdiction of the office fit very nicely in the law enforcement efforts and supervision of the vast countryside. The ability of the sheriff to respond to the hue and cry and to raise a posse helped greatly with the issues of crime and the isolated nature of the frontier. The office that had evolved over the centuries was a “hand in glove fit” for local law enforcement in the Wild West.
The office of the sheriff spread from community to community throughout settled areas west of the Mississippi. In 1823 and 1824, the colony of San Felipe de Austin formed a set of community rules that included a justice of the peace and an appointed sheriff to enforce regulations.
In 1836, the adaptation of a constitution for the newly created Republic of Texas formally required these positions and read in part: “There shall be appointed for each county, a convenient number of Justices of the Peace, one sheriff, and one coroner, who shall hold their offices for two years, to be elected by qualified voters of the district or county, as Congress may direct. Justices of the Peace and sheriffs shall be commissioned by the President [of the Republic]”.
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Lincoln County Sheriff Badge - This badge was specially made for presentation to Pat Garrett after he killed Billy the Kid in 1881. The original is said to have been solid gold. Our Old West replica badges are crafted out of steel and brass. We double-stamp them and then they are silver plated. Finally each Old West badge is hand finished for that worn, antique look. Heavy safety pin closure on the back of each badge. Badges arrive in a small gift box complete with story. 3" H. Buy any TWO Badges Buy any THREE Badges -
Sheriff Star Badge - This badge is of the type worn by T. Jeff Carr, first sheriff of Laramie Country, Wyoming, who arrested Jack McCall, the man who murdered Wild Bill Hickok. McCall was then tried and hung. Our Old West replica badges are crafted out of steel and brass. We double-stamp them and then they are silver plated. Finally each Old West badge is hand finished for that worn, antique look. Heavy safety pin closure on the back of each badge. Badges arrive in a small gift box complete with story. 2 1/2" H. Buy any TWO Badges Buy any THREE Badges -
Sheriff Presidio County Badge - In the 1959 western Rio Bravo, John T. Chance is the rough and tumble Sheriff of a lawless Texas border town. As Sheriff Chance, battles the wealthy cattle baron whose brother he is holding in jail for murder. Our Old West replica badges are crafted out of steel and brass. We double-stamp them and then they are silver plated. Finally each Old West badge is hand finished for that worn, antique look. Heavy safety pin closure on the back of each badge. Badges arrive in a small gift box complete with story. 3 1/8" H. Buy any TWO Badges Buy any THREE Badges -
Deputy Sheriff Badge - This type of badge was worn by two Deputies, Bob Olinger and J.W. Bell, who were assigned to guard Billy the Kid when he was incarcerated and awaiting hanging in Lincoln, New Mexico. Our Old West replica badges are crafted out of steel and brass. We double-stamp them and then they are silver plated. Finally each Old West badge is hand finished for that worn, antique look. Heavy safety pin closure on the back of each badge. Badges arrive in a small gift box complete with story. 2 1/8" H. Buy any TWO Badges Buy any THREE Badges -
Deputy Constable Badge - The Constable and his Deputies have been a part of our American civilization since the earliest of Colonial times. In each of our original communities, the Constable was one of the earliest offices created, and it was his important duty to keep the King's peace. Our Old West replica badges are crafted out of steel and brass. We double-stamp them and then they are silver plated. Finally each Old West badge is hand finished for that worn, antique look. Heavy safety pin closure on the back of each badge. Badges arrive in a small gift box complete with story. 2 1/2" H. Buy any TWO Badges Buy any THREE Badges
