Posted 5 years ago
rrbadges
(14 items)
I recently obtained the solid 14k gold badge with diamonds and ruby that was presented to Chief Special Agent Ben Williams of the AT&SF Railway on December 25, 1910. Ben Williams served as a US Marshal and Deputy Sheriff for famous Sheriff Pat Garrett in Donna Anna County, New Mexico in the late 1880's and 1890's. Pat Garrett shot and killed "Billy the Kid". Along with the photos of the badge is a photo of Williams wearing it on the front of a locomotive. He has a model 96 Winchester across his lap. The other photo is of Williams later in life. Thanks for looking and keep hunting!
Very elegant and handsome badge, I'm assuming a retirement gift, he certainly deserved a special honor
It was actually presented him when he became the Chief Special Agent for the railroad. It was given to him by the railroad.
Fantastic Badge!!
C... What a Great badge. Of course your Rock Island 44 cal heater is nothing to sneeze at either.
Are you part of the Williams family? This was my great grandfather and I was just wondering how you came about getting the badge.
Page 8 - he started riding the rails in 1907. Here's a different badge. And it's "Dona Anna"! (They misspelled it 'Donna'!)
http://calpolicehistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Jan.-Feb.-2010-PCNEWS.pdf
Sharlenescom: There is another post online (see link below) - he said he's been on a 30-year quest to get it. Another collector must have owned it. There is a whole world of specialty collectors out there. You would be surprised what families give away/sell after someone passes.
Anyone who plies Estate Sales can attest to that. The's how we collect old photographs, family movies, and more that once belonged to other people.
http://www.railroadpolicebadges.com/blog/14kpresentationbadgeofchiefspecialagentbenwilliamsoftheatsfrailway
Sharlenescom: There is another post online (see link below) - he said he's been on a 30-year quest to get it. Another collector must have owned it. There is a whole world of specialty collectors out there. You would be surprised what families give away/sell after someone passes.
Anyone who plies Estate Sales can attest to that. The's how we collect old photographs, family movies, and more that once belonged to other people.
http://www.railroadpolicebadges.com/blog/14kpresentationbadgeofchiefspecialagentbenwilliamsoftheatsfrailway
Thanks for the interest. I’ve been collecting and researching railroad police badges and artifacts for 47 years. I attend auctions, estate sales and collector shows across the country to obtain them.
cool post....
Thanks for the comment!
OH WOW! Absolutely beautiful. what a story
Thanks for the comments!