Ed Walsh's Police Memorabilia Web Site 

Taunton Police Department, Massachusetts

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. The findings on the back are consistant with pre-1900 as it has a European style (T-Pin) and "C" clasp. I have yet to find documentary evidence of the use of this badge and it may be unlikely any exists. I also have a Sergeant's version which adds to the issue as the position of Sergeant was created in 1912, over fifty years after this badge is reported to have been used.