NEW FLORIDA REPRODUCTIONS - Jan 2007

Two new reproductions of the Florida Highway Patrol TROOPER badge have surfaced on the collectors market this week. In this case, no photo is necessary. Both badges look close to being valid from the front, however, as with most every reproduction, the maker missed the department specifications just enough to where the badges are worth time and material only... they should be valued at around $35.

These badges are numbered. One is 2017 and the other is 2718. If you have either of these badges in your collection, you have purchased a reproduction. These badges are not "department issue" and should be considered worthless as far as a serious collection is concerned.

A FHP Major badge with Blackinton hallmarks and a FHP Captain badge with Signature hallmarks have surfaced on the collectors market this week. Neither of these badges are valid and neither meet department specifications. Since these badges are not numbered, if you have recently purchased a Major FHP badge or a Captain FHP badge from a web auction and are concerned, send me the pictures back and front and I can tell you whether the badge is valid and meets department specs. Please, don't be taken by these reproductions!

FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL
July 16, 2004

The badge of the Florida Highway Patrol is one of the most easily duplicated, and there are quite a few reproductions on the collectors market. The die used by the FHP is a stock, common die, and those who desire to do so, can order copies in any configuration through any neighborhood uniform store.

The book gives you the details on what to look for when considering a Florida Highway Patrol addition to your collection. The badge in this picture ranks as a “fake” rather than a poor reproduction under the guidelines in the BADGE GUIDE. Although the FHP has investigators, they do not have nor have they ever had a badge anywhere close to the wording on the badge pictured. I’d value the badge at around $40, and that would be for material only, for as a collectable, it is worthless.

ALL gold badges issued by the Florida Highway Patrol are done in Karat-Clad and made by Blackinton, and are solid back, with hard black enamel lettering. Other things such as the two dots in the circle are important too. These are classy, expensive badges, and come with a full color Florida state seal. Beware of strange ranks and special titles such as the one pictured. Use the guidelines in the BADGE GUIDE to keep from being taken on FHP badges, as there are copies everywhere.

Our publication tells the secrets of telling a "department issue" badge from a fake or a reproduction. Should you encounter a badge that you have questions about, do send us a copy of the photos, front and back. This will
help us in our efforts of telling other collectors what is out on the market these days. Should you encounter a state patrol badge and have questions about it, send us a photo of the badge, back and front, and let us give you an opinion. Remember, it is your input that alerts us to the fakes and reproductions that are out there. Support this site by telling us of questionable badges. Our BADGE GUIDE will assist you in collecting only valid badges, and will advise on a bracket price for each state.