Ext Rare 1890 San Francisco Fire Department 1st Standard Issue Badge # 100 by J. C. Irvine

ARTIFACT:

This is an Extremely Rare 1890 San Francisco Fire Department 1st Standard Issue Badge # 100 by J. C. Irvine.

Issued in 1890, this is the first custom die, standardized Issue badge used by the San Francisco Fire Department. Up until this time, each SFFD badge was individually stamped or engraved. This badge is 2 1/8" in diameter and, although round, is actually a modified Maltese cross. Made by J.C. Irvine of San Francisco, the first group of these badges that were made had very weak t-pins, 98% of which broke. The department fixed this defect be affixing a large safety pin to the back of the badge with a generous glob of solder. Unfortunately, this covered the J.C. Irvine Maker mark that was stamped at the center of the badge on the back. These badges are much rarer than the later rosette badge: there were just over 525 of these badges made, and fewer than 325 escaped destruction in the smelter. Over 2000 of the rosette badges survived. Die struck in heavy sheet nickel, with the individual Fireman’s number hand stamped at bottom.

VINTAGE: 1890.

SIZE: Approximately: 2-1/8” in diameter.

CONSTRUCTION / MATERIALS: Nickel-Plated nickel and brass findings.

ATTACHMENT: Vertical safety-style pin.

MARKINGS: N/A.

ITEM NOTES:

This is from a Fire Fighter collection which we will be listing more of over the next few months. P03/26 MBJFK26 LIGEX03/15/26

CONDITION: 8+ (Excellent): The badge shows minor wear and overall, it is in excellent condition.