How do you tell a good guy from a bad guy in the old Wild West? Their badge, of course. Unless the lawman is also an outlaw and the outlaw a lawman. The difference between the two wasn’t clear-cut. Lawmen and outlaws dabbled on both sides of the badge.
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| Circa 1873 |
Law enforcement badges have been around for thousands of years, clear back to 3000 BC. Knights' shields and coat of arms were forms of badges. However, badges didn’t start out as a sign of someone in crime prevention. The insignias announced a person’s official status and allegiance. There was even a beggar’s badge in England for the poor to show they had the right to beg for food and money.
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| Beggar badge |
Their transition to law enforcement was a natural one, to show who was authorized to administer justice and whom a person might be able to trust. These symbols of authority were traditionally worn on the left side. I found two reasons for this. One, knights carried their shields in their left hand both to protect that most vital organ, the heart, and to leave their dominant arm free to wield their sword.
Not all old west lawmen wore their badge on the left but a lot did. Also, not all old west lawmen wore badges at all, because there wasn’t always one available to wear. They cost money, and often, being a sheriff or deputy wasn’t a paid position.
When badges weren’t accessible or there wasn’t a large governing body to issue badges (as was the case in many old West frontier towns), some were formed out of easy to find materials. Some badges were forged out of coins. Rumor has it that the “tin” stars were made out of can lids, though the sources I came across hadn’t seen one yet, they were still looking. Since some badges were made out of readily available items, it makes sense that someone somewhere would have fashioned one out of a can lid.
Badges came in many shapes: stars, shields, ovals, circles, and various other forms. Each organization wanted their badge to be unique, hence the reason for the variety. Here are a few.
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| Used during WWI |
Though badges have changed in their purpose over the centuries, they still convey status and allegiance.
In book 4 of my Quilting Circle series, The Débutante's Secret, a young man with a badge finds love instead of bandits.
The latest installment of the Quilting Circle, book 5, The Lady's Mission, releases October 5, 2022.
THE LADY’S MISSION (Quilting Circle 5)
Cordelia
Armstrong wants nothing more than to escape the social norms for her station in
society. Unless she can skillfully maneuver her father into giving up control
of her trust fund, she might have to concede defeat—as well as her freedom—and
marry. Every time Lamar Kesner finds a fascinating lady, her heart belongs to
another. When a vapid socialite is offered up as a prospective bride, he
contemplates flying off in his hot air balloon instead. Is Lamar the one to
finally break the determination of Cordelia’s parents to marry her off? Or will
this charming bachelor fly away with her heart?
Available for pre-order on Amazon. (Releases October 5, 2022)
~Other Books in the Quilting Circle Historical Romance Series
THE WIDOW’S PLIGHT (Book1) – Will a secret clouding a single mother’s past cost Lily the man she loves?
THE DAUGHTER’S PREDICAMENT (Book2) *2020 Selah Awards Finalist & WRMA Finalist* – As Isabelle’s romance prospects are turning in her favor, a family scandal derails her dreams.
THE DAMSEL’S INTENT (Book3) *2021 Selah Awards Winner & WRMA Finalist *– Nicole heads down the mountain to fetch herself a husband. Can she learn to be enough of a lady to snag the handsome rancher?
THE DÉBUTANTE’S SECRET (Book4) –Complications arise when a fancy French lady, Geneviève, steps off the train and into Deputy Montana’s arms.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q6L5QT1?searchxofy=true&binding=kindle_edition&qid=1634872128&sr=1-1
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