Absolutely Stunning 1946 Sangamon Co., IL Sheriff Badge of Meredith Rhule in 14K/18K Gold

ARTIFACT: Probably the most beautiful lawman badge I have ever seen, 18K & 14K yellow and white gold, with five prong-set 20 point Diamonds and one 1.5+ Karat bezel set Diamond at the center. The Diamonds are all early Brilliant Cuts, and the center diamond grades conservatively at SI1, but it is hard to see the 2 tiny feathers inside the stone even under magnification. The color of the central stone is a G (I didn't study the 5 outer Diamonds as closely so cannot comment on their grade or color). The edges of the five point, ball-tip badge are intricately detailed with lovely scroll designs and the badge is style accented with contrasting ball-tips of 18K white gold, a six pointed star in the center, and raised lettering encircling the center that reads: "SHERIFF OF SANGAMON CO." and the letters feature delicate embellishments. The badge was made for the Sheriff of Sangamon County, Illinois, Meredith J. Rhule in 1946 when he served one term as sheriff of the county after his return from being a member of the OSS (Office of Strategic Services) in the CBI (China-Burma-India) Theater during WWII. The reverse of the badge reads: "PRESENTED TO MEREDITH J. RHULE DEC. 2 1946 FROM HIS FRIENDS".
Rhule was named chief deputy of the county in 1942, but joined the United States Navy as a lieutenant and soon became affiliated with the OSS and deployed to the CBI Theater. Rhule is quoted in the Illinois State Register recounting his wartime duties: "My job was to gather intelligence for the OSS on espionage, sabotage and planned assassinations…often it meant parachuting behind Japanese lines and hiding out for months while I did my spying." During his time in the CBI, Rhule was well known for keeping a pet monkey named Dudley and Frank Sinatra's movie Never So Few about the WWII operations in China features a character that wears his hat in the same fashion as Rhule and kept the company of a pet monkey.
Rhule was awarded the Bronze Star from the United States and the Order of Cloud and Banner and Order of Jade from Chiang Kai-Shek. Rhule's term as sheriff was cut short after an investigation into gambling in the state discovered that Rhule had admittedly turned a blind eye to it in his County. Officials scoured his office before the end of his term, during which time Rhule began to crack down on gambling in the state, though he did not seek reelection the following term...Rhule never denied or admitted accepting money from gambling king pins of the time.
Information and photo referenced from Sangamon County Online History
Sangamon County Gambling History

VINTAGE: Circa 1946

SIZE: Approximately 2-1/2" x 2-1/2"

MATERIALS / CONSTRUCTION: Multi-piece, riveted construction, 18K & 14K gold, five 20 point brilliant cut diamonds, and one 1.5+ karat brilliant cut diamond. total weight 37.8 Grams.

ATTACHMENT: Vertical pin with Tiffany style catch

MARKINGS: "18K", "14K", "MADE BY WEXLER"

ITEM NOTES: This is from a police and law enforcement collection which we will be listing more of over the next few months. CON-KDB-20-16 LADIGEX2/16 S/LAEIGEX3/16 SLAGJJJX11/16 SACJJJX4/17

CONDITION: 9- (Excellent+): The badge shows minor wear/age, the diamonds are bright and beautiful, as is the gold – overall excellent condition.