Rare 1920’s PROHIBITION Colorado State Law Enforcement Department Badge of Russell H. Kenny

ARTIFACT: This is a Rare 1920’s PROHIBITION Colorado State Law Enforcement Department Badge of Russell H. Kenny. Unmarked but probably made by Sachs - Lawlor.

In 1923, the Colorado State Law Enforcement Department was established as an extension of the Colorado Prohibition Executive Agents. The primary responsibility of the State Law Enforcement Department was to assist local jurisdictions with the enforcement of the Prohibition Law, and as a cooperative to lend reinforcements to peace officers in case of riots and local disturbances where the local forces were not adequate to handle the situation. The State Law Enforcement Department remained active until March 31, 1926.

From what we could find, Russell H. Kenney was a long time employee of the Denver Post. His “Day Job” was in the advertising department of the paper, while he volunteered as needed for the Colorado Law Enforcement Department during its short nearly 3 year existence.  Kenney was born in Massachusetts in 1890 or 1891, but was in Colorado by the 1909, and presumably earlier. He lived the rest of his life in Colorado, passing away there in 1966.

VINTAGE: 1920s.

SIZE: Approximately 2-11/16” in height x 2-3/8” in width.

CONSTRUCTION / MATERIALS: Nickel-plated nickel with painted deals, and copper seal at Center.

ATTACHMENT: Vertical kick pin with forked locking catch.

MARKINGS: N/A.

ITEM NOTES:

This is from a Police and Law Enforcement Badge collection which we will be listing more of over the coming months. MBHFV26 LHGEX03/01/26

CONDITION: 8+ (Excellent): The badge shows minor to moderate wear and at the Center Seal is tarnishing, overall, it is in excellent condition.

 GUARANTEE: As with all my artifacts, this piece is guaranteed to be original, as described.