Law Enforcement: Early New Orleans Police Officer's Badge. Possibly unique 62 mm x 81 mm (2.5" x 3.25") silver disc (95% silver, 3% copper, 2% iron/gold/lead) depicting an eagle and alligator encircled by seventeen [17] stars. Given the size, it was probably cast. The outer, plain edges have identical inscriptions in French and English, made using letter punches. The top reads "Off'er De P'ce de la Nouv.le Orleans". The bottom reads: "P'ce Off'er of New Orleans". We translate this as "New Orleans Police Officer". There are some shallow globs of solder and tan glue residue on the back side, indicating there may have been a pin attachment at one time, or the entire piece may have been mounted within a frame and worn around the neck. There were seventeen states between March 1, 1803 and April 30, 1812 at which time Louisiana became the 18th state. We deduce therefore that this enigmatic piece was produced between the time of the Louisiana Purchase in 1804 and Louisiana's admittance to the Union in 1812. According to our research, a police force was created in New Orleans in the 1790s under directive of the Spanish Colonial Governor Baron de Carondelet. The Guard De Ville and various militia groups followed. By 1817, "more than four dozen officers patrolled four separate police districts." Whether this item was worn by a member of the Guard De Ville or a later incarnation, we cant' say. Research has so far failed to produce any references to this particular emblem of authority. It reminds us somewhat of the early Washington Indian Peace medals and may well be the earliest American law enforcement badge.