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National Issue Badges of the U.S. Marshals Service
Prior to 1941, there was no one national issue badge. They
varied in content, size, and shape. U.S. Marshals for each
district purchased their badges using their appropriated
funding.
First National Issue (1941-70)
This
badge was known as the “IKE” or “Eagle Top” variety. The
Department of Justice issued these with three distinct rank
designations: Marshal, Chief Deputy, and Deputy. Several
contracted companies made the badge–and for accountability, they
were numbered. On the reverse, many contained a phrase that the
badge alone did not convey authority. They were gold in color.
Second National Issue (1970-80)
With
a new name–The United States Marshals Service–and accompanying
structure changes, a new badge design contained the changes.
Unlike the first issue, which was a pin-back, the second issue
had a clip on the reverse for easy attachment to a credential
case.
All
of these were manufactured by V.H. Blackinton Company and were
issued from USMS Headquarters. It was of a silver color with a
blue eagle-top shield. Subsequently, this was nicknamed the
“Patty Hearst badge” because of the many pictures of deputies
photographed at media appearances with her during the mid 1970s.
Third National Issue (1980-Present)
This
is the badge worn by our personnel today. Director William
Hall wanted a return to a more historical design, which emerged
as a circle with agency lettering outside a star. This was again
licensed to V.H. Blackinton Company, although the color scheme
differed. U.S. Marshals were issued gold-colored badges, while
deputies wore a silver-colored variety. The badge fit into a
commission case. Like the two other issues, these are numbered
for accountability. |