Great 1989 California Highway Patrol "Rejected" Badge # 13332 by Williams & Anderson of RI

The center of the 14K gold-filled badge shows the State Seal of California in raised detail, surrounding it reads: "CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL 13332" in blue enamel detail. The points of the star shaped badge feature intricate raised embellishments and a scroll along the bottom reads: "TRAFFIC OFFICER".

 

Williams & Anderson of Rhode Island accepted a bid from the California Highway Patrol to produce around 250 Traffic Officer badges. Upon receiving the first batch (numbered 13043 - 13143), the CHP rejected the badges because they were not the correct shape and returned them to Williams & Anderson. Williams & Anderson did not foresee the coming rejection and on the assumption the batch would be accepted, the company made the entire order. The following year, W & A went bankrupt and the rejected badges were purchased by a dealer in industrial surplus. The dealer, Jerry Dooley sold them across New England at various shows. Although the CHP has never worn a Williams & Anderson badge, these particular examples are an interesting novelty due to their story. The relatively low number available and the amazing fact they made it out into circulation despite the company's bankruptcy make them a highly sought after collectible for advanced California Highway Patrol collectors.