Ventura, California Deputy Sheriff's Badge

Circa 1895-1900 jeweler made badge for Ventura County, California, deputy Jacinto Damien Reyes. Jacinto was a native Californian born to a Spanish land grant family. He became a Ventura County deputy in the late 1880s until the time he became a Santa Barbara National Forest Ranger in 1900. He also gained local notoriety in the early 1900s when he was selected to escort Presidents William McKinley in 1901, and Teddy Roosevelt in 1910, through the forest lands of California. This badge was purchased directly from the nephew of Jacinto in 1979 and sold to Kern County deputy sheriff Tom Craig. Craig later sold the badge to well-known badge collector and author on badges, Jim Casey. Badge is hand-cut and repurposed from what was most likely a loving cup or silver sheet of some kind, as evidenced by the pattern on the reverse. Traces of black wax used to darken the letters. Measures: 2" x 1 - 3/4". Exact badge is pictured on pg. 67 of "Bages of America's Finest" by James C. Casey, 2008. Badge is also pictured numerous times being worn by Reyes in period publications and photos. Copies of these are included with the badge.