Police Badges & Watch Fobs Auction

This auction offers over five hundred artifacts celebrating the enduring spirit of civic duty, public service, and early industrial might.

Law enforcement and firefighter memorabilia anchor the front of the catalog with an array of breast badges, cap devices, and commemorative stars representing departments across the Midwest and beyond. Notable service pieces include the scarce antique State of Illinois Police Hat Badge #2 (Lot 61), a distinctive Glencoe, Illinois Police & Fire Hat Badge #34 (Lot 25), and a vintage Cheviot, Ohio Fire Department 2" Badge (Lot 62). Novelty and corporate security insignia also feature prominently, led by the satirical 1910s "I Should Worry" Security Bank 3% Interest Star (Lot 40) and an early Sheraton Hotel Security 5-Point Star (Lot 12).

The heart of the auction transitions into one of the most comprehensive watch fob collections ever offered, chronicling the golden age of American heavy machinery, agriculture, and construction engineering. Enthusiasts will uncover coveted examples from industry giants like Caterpillar, Case, Drott, Bucyrus-Erie, Allis-Chalmers, and Mack. Standouts include the rare Copper 1933 Chicago World's Fair Lima Locomotive Watch Fob (Lot 549), a classic Rumely OilPull Tractor Fob (Lot 182), the iconic Case Bald Eagle on Globe Fob (Lot 122), and an early J.D. Adams & Co. Leaning Wheel Grader Fob (Lot 434), alongside dozens of commemorative club issues from IWFAI and MWFC.

Preview is the day before the auction - noon-5pm, and doors open at 8am the day of the auction. Pickup is immediately following the auction or by appointment. Please call 815-923-7000 to schedule.