Following are testimonials from experts in the fields of engraving, badge collecting and the 'Old West.' they are in the form of text to reduce download times. At the end of each item is a link to one or more scanned images of the original document. The original document will be available for examination and will be part of the sale.

George Madis
Brownsboro, Texas 75756

Silver John Behan Sheriff Badge

I have been asked to give my opinion on the originality of this badge. Having been an engraver for over thirty-five years and with equal experience inspecting antique ones, I am considered to be an experienced consultant and appraiser.

A careful inspection has been made of this badge; the engraving "Cochise Co. Sheriff ' and the engraving "John Behan4" as well as the decorative scrolls all match.

An even, old and uniform patina is seen on the finish of this badge. The engraving is of early style, and the patina is seen in all of the engraving cuts.

It is MY opinion the engraving and finish are original and old and there have been no alterations to the badge.

George Madis

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In 1961 George Madis published The Winchester Book, a classic on Winchester fire arms. He has also written: The Winchester Handbook, The Winchester Model Twelve, Winchester Dates of Manufacture, and The Winchester Era. George Madis has also been an engraver and is sought-out as a consultant and appraiser. He has much experience in determining the age and authenticity of engraving.

SHERIFF "JOHN BEHAN" BADGE

The contents of this letter strictly refers to the John Behan-Cochise Co. Suspension Badge.

On March 21st, 1997, I was asked to examine the above mentioned sheriff's badge, and to give a verbal, then written evaluation, and have done so by this letter.

Upon initial inspection, this badge style is recognized as a suspension type, having a circle crescent with a cut out star, and title of sheriff in relief engraving, approximately two inches in diameter, suspended by two oval link chains of three links each from a title panel or bar, with the title Cochise Co., also in relief engraving, and approximately two and three sixteenth inches by seven eight's of an inch, with an overall size of 23/16" by 3 1/2 inches. The metal is silver in color, and appears to be sterling silver. Turning the badge over, I found that the title panel or bar was affixed with a T-Bar Pin, and Hook Catch.  The circle with cut out star has a simple line engraved star within the star shape and "1881" in center.  At the base of the crescents the name "John Behan" in script.  Total weight of the badge is 1.69 ounces.

I was allowed to retain this suspension badge for a period of 30 days, to properly and adequately examine it.  After doing so, I believe the material to be sterling silver, and this badge was manufactured and engraved in the 1880's.  I based my opinion on the following facts: age of the patina to the sterling silver, the T-Bar Pin that is present, and known to be used during this period of time, the extrusion marks on the suspension links, which is a definite sign of being hand made, and consistent with the time period, the simple relief engraving, and the elegant floral design on the face of the star, which is very similar to other engraved items that I have encountered from this period.  The stippling back ground on both the title bar and circle crescent.  When examined closely, hand tooling marks, as well as slight flaws can be seen, and would be expected.  Looking at the title bar, a slight angle variance can be seen from the right and left edge, and is another sign of being hand made, opposed to being stamped out or commercially manufactured, but more importantly are two factors, looking at the date "1881" you can see what is known to me as shadowing around the left face of all four numbers, as well as the name "John Behan" this is accomplished after the letter is cut, and the engraver would go back and cut the metal away, which would not have stood out at the time, but with age and tarnishing, it would enhance the engraving.  An Accomplished engraver of this period would have known this, and is a classic mark of the period.  The other factor is the wear to the inner and outer edges.  All the high edges that would normally rub against the garment, have worn edges, more war in the areas that would have rubbed more aggressively.  The inner edges that would not have had material rubbing against them have less wear, or unbroken edges.

  Shawn M. Spohn
P.O. Box 537
Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44022

"Badge Enthusiast"

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Joseph Hand Engraver

Cody, Wyoming 82414 Phone (307) 587-5354

July 9, 1997

An Engraver opinion of the "JOHN BEHAN BADGE"

The work is definitely hand cut from solid stock and was done by a skilled craftsman. The background work shows fine punch marks that would not be as distinct in a reproduction. The inscriptions are also hand cut and show confidence in execution of work and a looseness of style that also indicate that the work is by the same craftsman and not added at a later date.

I believe the piece to be hand made and from the late 1800s. Most likely made by a saddle maker or someone who learned their crafts in England.

Joseph, Master Engraver

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[ scanned image of above testimonial ]

[ about Joseph ]

[ scanned image of book cover, with pictures of the Earp Brothers. ]

[ map of the area of the OK Corral ]