US Dept of State Special Agent's Badge 1917

[Rusty Greaves]

The U.S. Dept. of State, Diplomatic Security Service published a short article featuring a brief discussion of the original 1917 design badge for the Special Agents’ Division. Unfortunately, some of the information in this article is quite incorrect. However, it does provide a high-resolution image of one of the later restrikes of this badge, identifies dates for three subsequent badge designs, and includes a good-resolution piece of artwork about the recently issued special commemorative badge that is based on the design of the original 1917 badge. This information and four of the photos I'm including here comes from a 15 May, 2023 article on the DSS website titled “Today’s DSS special agent badge – a long and circuitous history” (https://www.state.gov/todays-dss-special-agent-badge-a-long-and-circuitous-history/).

 

 

Above is a high-resolution image of a restrike with a less-detailed adaptation of the original 1917-design of the U.S. Department of State Special Agents' Division badge from the 15 May 2023 DSS article. This photo (and the 5-7th photos in this post) is by the U.S. Department of State. No copyright is identified on these photos indicating that both the information on the State Department website and these photos are in the public domain and may be copied and distributed without permission. This photo has probably been used in several illustrations by the DSS about their history (as shown in several of my previous posts: 2nd photo in the post of 25 March 2017; 2nd photo in my post of 24 March, 2021; and in the post of 18 August 2022). As all of the other images are much lower-resolution, I cannot assuredly link it to the other photos used in composite montages showing the temporal sequence of badges used by the Special Agents’ Division and the subsequent Diplomatic Security Service. The above image is unfortunately identified as an example of the “original silver 1916 badge allegedly designed by Tiffanys [sic.]”. As noted, this is a photo of a restrike not an original badge, the original badges were not made of silver but probably of nickel alloy, and the persistent rumor that Tiffany & Co. made the original badges has no evidence to support it. Inquiries with Tiffany & Co. have produced negative results about their possibly having created the initial dies, any restrikes (although I have been unable to see any photos of the reverse of most restrikes), and there is no Tiffany maker’s marks reported on the reverse of any restrike. This is a very good image of this particular restrike, showing an identifiable scratch to the left of the upper curve of the “S” in the knotted calligraphic central “US” and possible unique minor flaws in the dark blue enamel. My feeling, unsupported by any hard data, is that this is one of the later forms of restrike created for the DSS. I am only basing this on a single photo of a restrike with black enamel (see below, an image I have posted here before) that shows underlying texture within the “US” that is lacking on all other restrikes I have been able to see in photos. Presumably, the statement that this restrike badge is silver is related to a silver mark on the reverse. 

 

 

High-resolution image of a restrike showing the texture visible underneath the black enamel within the “US” (best visible in the lower left of the “U” and the lower tail of the “S” to the left of it, and less visible in the upper left curve of the “S”) that replicates the texture seen within the “US” of the two known original badges. Note that neither of those original badges has any enamel. Unlike the above example from the DSS brief news story (and other lower-resolution images of restrikes), this example only has enamel within the knotted “US” and nowhere else on the badge. Subsequent restrikes (if my inference that a slightly more elaborate restrike of this design is potentially earlier than later versions lacking this additional detail) do not exhibit this texturing. The engraving of this badge is finer than that seen on all other photos of (later?) restrikes. However, as I remarked in my post here of 25 March, 2017 the engraving of this restrike is not as fine as seen on the original Special Agents’ Division badges. As I have previously noted, the first restrikes were probably authorized to be issued in 1989 for the bicentennial celebration of the 1789 ratification of the U.S. Constitution and establishment of the U.S. Department of State. Subsequent restrikes were created probably as special gifts for diplomats, politicians, or even foreign dignitaries. This badge was probably struck by the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing. 

 

 

This moderate-resolution image of a restrike with blue enamel is similar to the example used by the U.S. DSS in the 15 May, 2023 article to illustrate the design inspired by the original badge. I posted this image as the 1st photo in my post here of 10 May, 2022. This photo comes from a 10 July, 2021 post (#36) by Cobra 6 Actual on the U.S. Militaria Forum (https://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/336271-badge-collection-military-government-police-fire/page/2/). Following a correspondence with Cobra 6 Actual, he sent me a couple photos of the reverse (shown in my post of 12 May, 2022) that exhibit the maker’s mark “V.H.B” indicating manufacture by V. H. Blackinton & Co. of Attlelboro Falls, Massachusetts. The reverse of this restrike also is marked “STERL.” indicating sterling silver. I detailed some information from the U.S. federal badge collecting community and enquiries with Blackinton about both the original dies used for the 1917 badge and Blackinton’s subsequent restrike in the 5th paragraph of my post of 24 March, 2021 on this thread. This is the only restrike with a confirmed manufacturer’s mark. Many of the restrikes from ~1989 to more recently have been encased in lucite with a blue backing, obscuring any view of the reverse. 

 

 

Above is a low-resolution image of a restrike with a lighter blue enamel than the other two restrike badges shown above, apparently glued to a mat backing (previously posted here on 20 March, 2021). This example is similar to descriptions of other restrikes that were encased in lucuite. I detailed a first-hand account of another “restrike” removed from its lucite encasement in my 24 March, 2021 post that was found to be cast, not struck, and the less-detailed obverse design was just a vinyl sticker printed with the design. 

 

 

Above is a montage of three U.S. Dept. of State badges from the recent 15 May, 2023 article on the DSS website (by the U.S. Department of State). The same badge photos, at much lower resolution, were part of previous DSS image'simage's of the sequence of Special Agents’ badges used by the U.S. Dept of State in its print and online historical document: History of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security of the United States Department of State, 2011. Global Publishing Solutions, U.S. Department of State., Figure caption: “Service Badges used by Special Agents (1917-present) and by DS Diplomatic Couriers and DS Security Engineers (present)” shown on the 5th unnumbered page before the preface (https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/176589.pdf). I used a cropped version of that photo showing these same three badges (plus the image of the restrike representing the 1916/1917 design that is probably the first illustration in the 15 May, 2023 DSS article) as the 2nd photo in my post of 25 March, 2017 and illustrated the full figure as the 2nd photo in my post of 24 March, 2021. Neither of those illustrations provided any dates for these badge designs. The current version of this image above does identify the 1920 date of adoption of the second badge design for the Special Agents’ Division, something I have been interested in confirming for some time. Apparently, like most U.S. Federal agencies (with the notable exceptions of the F.B.I., the Secret Service, the A.T.F [Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives], and the I.R.S. [Internal Revenue Service]) the Dept. of State has not provided good temporal data on their past badge designs.

 

 

Low-resolution cropped close-up of the1920 badge design from the above grouping (by the U.S. Department of State). It is curious that this badge has a central Seal of the President of the Unites States, rather than the Great Seal of the United States, used by the Department of State. I have not yet found a better illustration of this badge. This same badge, number 305, is illustrated in Lucas, Kenneth W., Sr. 1991. Federal Law Enforcement Badges, published by the author, Beltsville, MD, pg. 190 (that page also shows examples of the badges identified in the 15 May, 2023 DSS article as 1950 and 1970 issue badges; and pg. 191 shows an addition example of a 1950 and 1970 badge along with a more recent DSS Special Agent’s badge, the same version shown on the far left in 2nd row [bottom] of the 2nd photo in my post of 24 March, 2021 and on the far right in the image in my post of 18 August, 2022). The dating of the second badge design to 1920 raises an interesting question about the genuine original badge #1. If the new design was issued in 1920, it would potentially weigh the scale in favor of badge #1 having been that of Bill Nye, then first Chief Special Agent, rather than Robert Bannerman's (the second Chief Special Agent). Although of course, nothing precludes a handover of the badge for Bannerman's use for a short period of time before he oversaw the creation of a new design under his administration that lasted through 1940. However, this is the first indication of the re-design of the U.S. Dept. of State Special Agent's badges correlates with Nye's retirement and Bannerman's assumption of the position of Chief Special Agent and implicates the potential use of badge #1 by Bill Nye. 

 

 

The last graphic of interest in this 15 May article is the good-resolution artwork above (by the U.S. Department of State) showing the design of the new "Diplomatic Security Commemorative Badge" (right), a tribute to the original design of the 1917 Special Agents’ Division badge, unveiled on 16 September, 2021 (see my post of 18 January, 2022 and of 20 January, 2022). This illustration also shows the most recent, counterfeit-resistant version of the DSS Special Agent’s badge (left). 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited June 22, 2023 by Rusty Greaves

[Rusty Greaves]

Below are two additional photos of the obverse of the original 1916 design of the U.S. Dept. of State Special Agents' Division Badge #1. This comes from an Instagram posting by statedeptdss, the Diplomatic Security Service (https://www.instagram.com/p/CsWIICbNTZ_/?img_index=1). 

 

 

This is a different image from DSS than the ones I previously posted on 2 May 2023. The above image is slightly higher-resolution than the image of the obverse in my previous post, the lighting is somewhat better, and the image can be zoomed for good detail of the badge design and execution. 

 

 

An oblique view of the obverse of U.S. Dept. of State Special Agents' Division Badge #1. The focus is variable, especially affecting the inferior portion of the badge and inscription in the foreground and the superior legend on the badge. 

Edited October 4, 2023 by Rusty Greaves

[Rusty Greaves]

The US Dept of Diplomatic Security (DSS) just published a set of historic photos of some of their different badges on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/p/C66ws5hLslw/?img_index=1). This exhibit at the National Museum of American Diplomacy (NMAD) celebrates National Police Week, and is on display only from 6 May through 22 May, 2024.  

 

 

These moderate resolution images can be zoomed for additional details. 

 

 

The rumor about Tiffany's having designed the badge persists at DSS. There is no indication this is so. Tiffany's has no record of designing this badge and there is no Tiffany's hallmark on the badge.

 

 

 

 

 

I am unsure why there is no display of the current, counterfeit-resistant version of the DSS Special Agent’s badge (shown on the left of the artwork illustration in the 7th image of my previous post of 22 June, 2023). 

 

 

The new commemorative badge inspired by the design of the original 1916 badge. 

                         

 

A cropped moderate-resolution image of the original 1916/1917 design. This image of badge #1 is different from the others I have posted on this thread. 

 

 

Above is a low-resolution image of the display from an email sent to DSS agents. The caption on this photo reads: "The evolution of the Diplomatic Security Service special agent badge display at the National Museum of American Diplomacy in Washington, D.C., May 6, 2024 (U.S. Department of State photo)".  Unfortunately, when the image is enlarged it is still difficult to read the exhibit text. 

 

 

Edited May 16 by Rusty Greaves

[Rusty Greaves]

It seems unlikely that another original 1916 or 1917-design U.S. Department of State Special Agents' Division badge is going to surface soon. Today I have some examples of Department of Security Services (DSS) challenge coins and pins that employ adaptations of the original badge design in their execution. One DSS agent told me there was a popularity spate of popularity in using the original badge design for different Regional Security Offices' (RSO) challenge coins. The selection of challenge coins I have found and illustrated below appear to date mostly to the period between approximately 1996-2018. A few of the items shown below are anniversary issue coins and pins (80th, >90 years, and the centennial celebration in 2016). All of these items were recently offered on eBay (except the Mumbai RSO Challenge Coin coin shown in the last 2 images from a 2021 auction). Most of the photographs below can be zoomed for additional details. 

 

 

eBay image of a DSS lapel pin.

 

 

My slightly oblique photo of this pin for additional details of the original badge element design. 

 

Above are 2 photos of a DSS lapel pin using the form of the original 1916 special Agents’ Division badge. This version includes the name of the Diplomatic Security Service on the superior banner legend and “SINCE 1916” below the eagle and above the “US” on the lower half of the pin. The dates of the formation of the Special Agents’ Division,1916, and 1996, presumably when this pin was made, appear on either side of the eagle. The 1996 date shows this was made during the 80th anniversary year for the DSS (also see the reverse of the next challenge coin and the 80th anniversary pin below). The pin measures 28 mm in height and 19 mm in maximum width. It appears to be made of an unspecified white metal that is chrome plated. No information on the material is provided in the description. The first image above comes from a recent eBay offering of this pin, arrived on the picklock website (https://picclick.com/US-Department-of-State-Diplomatic-Security-Service-Special-263644483132.html). The second image is one I took, and shows some details not visible in the eBay photo. The reverse of the pin reads: “VWE 717-299-6774”. The VWE 10 digit number is a common mark on pins for many federal agencies.  

 

 

Obverse

 

 

Reverse

 

Above are 2 illustrations of a DSS Challenge Coin using a similar form of the original design as shown above on the lapel pin. I believe that the original Special Agents' Division badge design represents the reverse of this challenge coin. The upper banner on the original badge element of the design is labelled Diplomatic Security Service and it has the same “SINCE 1916” motto as the pin, but employs a slightly different form of the original badge design. As with the pin shown in the first 2 images of this post, the dates 1916 and 1996 appear on either side of the eagle, indicating this was made during the 80th anniversary year for the DSS (also see the 80th anniversary pin below), although it is not specifically an anniversary coin. The obverse shows a form of the recent Special Agent badge (most similar to the 1987-1989 version) and this element may be gilt. This coin measures 44 mm in diameter. It is made of an unspecified white metal, probably enamel paint, and both faces are encased in Lucite. The form of this badge is nearly identical to one issued after 2006 to commemorate DSS as "A GLOBAL FORCE FOR OVER 90 YEARS" (see below).

 

 

Obverse

 

 

Reverse

 

DSS Challenge “Coin” in the form of the original badge outline, for the U.S. Mission to New Zealand. This item also identifies the Diplomatic Security Service on the upper banner and repeats the “SINCE 1916” motto in the same placement as the above pin and challenge coin. The “coin” measures 57 mm tall x a maximum width of 42 mm. It is made from an unspecified white metal and enamel paint, the metal surface presents a brushed appearance. I personally find this a rather cartoonish example of the form of the original badge used as the obverse of this challenge “coin”. A very similar design adaptation of the original badge is shown in the second-to-last image in this post for a DSS Challenge Coin for the Regional Security Office in Mumbai, India. 

 

 

Obverse

 

 

Reverse 

 

DSS Challenge Coin issued for the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa Canada. The obverse exhibits a version of the original 1916 badge with the upper banner motto reading “SPECIAL AGENTS DIVISION”. All of these coins that include this badge motto spell “AGENTS” without the possessive used on the original badge (”AGENTS’). This challenge coin measure 49 mm in diameter and is made of an unspecified white metal and enamel paint. 

 

 

Obverse

 

 

Reverse

 

DSS Challenge Coin for the Los Angeles Field Office. The obverse identifies this as an issue during the centennial year of 2016. The original badge design on the obverse of this coin also uses the “SPECIAL AGENTS DIVISION” motto on the upper banner. As with each of these challenge coins, several design components of the 1916 badge are unique to this coin. This is one of the best executed adaptations of the original badge design on these different challenge coins. The reverse also carries a small representation of the original 1916 badge in the lower right of the Baker, CA to Las Vegas, NV map element. That small badge also has the "“SPECIAL AGENTS DIVISION” inscription on the upper banner and no other dates on the badge element. This challenge coin measure 57 mm in diameter and may be made of a bronze (given the weight and the color of the edge and some of the lettering), possibly also an unspecified white metal or chrome plating, and enamel paint. 

 

 

My photo of this 80th anniversary pin. 

 

 

Image from the eBay offering of this badge (from: https://www.ebay.com/itm/156099814020?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338722076&customid=&toolid=10050). 

 

Above is an 80th anniversary DSS lapel pin from 1996. This pin has the same dimensions as the first example shown in this post, measuring 28 mm in height and 19 mm in maximum width. It is made of an unspecified white metal and probably has a chrome plating, in addition to the blue enamel paint. The upper banner has the DSS name and the dates 1916 and 1996 are placed on either side of the eagle. “80 YEARS” is marked below the eagle instead of the motto “SINCE 1916” on the other pin shown in the first 2 images of this post and on several of the original badge designs on these challenge coins. I illustrated a 75th anniversary DSS coffee mug that also use the original badge design as its log in my post on this thread of 1 May, 2023. The reverse of the pin also reads: “VWE 717-299-6774”, the same as the first pin illustrated on this post.  

 

 

Obverse

 

 

Reverse

 

The above DSS Challenge Coin is almost identical in design to the first challenge coin shown in the is post (3rd-4th photos). The obverse is identical to that challenge coin, with a recent Special Agent badge element (most closely resembling the 1987-1989 form, but probably just an adaption of the badge in use post 2006). The weight and size (44 mm diameter) of this coin are identical to the example shown in the 3rd-4th photos here. The coin also is encased in Lucite. The reverse shows the same version of the original 1916 badge design as on the first coin illustrated here and has the same superior motto on the reverse: “A GLOBAL FORCE”. The size and spacing of the 3 stars are slightly different to accommodate the different lower inscription. The 1916 badge design on the reverse is marked with the name of DSS, “SINCE 1916), and has the dates 1916 and 1996 on either side of the eagle. The scrollwork in the middle margins of the coin do not have the incursion of blue enamel paint into some portions as seen on the first coin illustrated on this thread and shows the detail of the scrollwork better than that other coin in the 3rd-4th photos here. This coin would have been minted sometime after 2006. This is a “kind of anniversary” coin with the lower legend on the reverse reading: “FOR OVER 90 YEARS”. Did DSS forget to order a 90th anniversary coin/pin in 2006? 

 

 

Obverse

 

 

Reverse

 

DSS Challenge Coin for the Regional Security Office in Kabul, Afghanistan. The original 1916 badge element on the obverse is the most detailed version of this design on these coins. The upper banner reads: “SPECIAL AGENTS DIVISION”. There are rays around the eagle, as on the original badge, and the execution of the scrollwork is much more detailed than on other coins and the 2 pins shown here. This coin measures 50 mm in diameter. I feel this is the best adaptation of the original badge design on any of these challenge coins. 

 

 

This is probably the obverse, but I am uncertain. 

 

 

Probable reverse

 

Above is a DSS centennial “Challenge Coin” in the form of a bottle opener. I am not certain which face is the obverse, but am presenting it as though the face with the modern DSS Spacial Agent badge (possibly based on the 1989-2021 form, without the “US” under the eagle as the opening for inserting [beer] bottles) is the obverse. The reverse has the form of the 1916 badge labelled “SPECIAL AGENTS DIVISION” and is the second-most detailed execution of this design element (after the Kabul RSO coin shown above). The badge-form opener measures 76 mm from the most inferior point to the highest portion of the wings, and 72 mm to the central shoulders of the eagle. The maximum width of the badge is 57 mm. I do not know what this opener is made from. 

 

 

DSS pin apparently made for the centennial year of 2016. The original badge element is marked with the DSS name and the motto: “SINCE 1916” below the eagle. There are no bracketing dates of 1916 and 2016 on either side of the eagle, instead those dates are placed on the black background to each side of the badge element. The scrollwork is similar to the other 2 silver-colored pins shown above. However, the badge element and all the lettering has a gold cast. The obverse is coated in Lucite. The reverse is unmarked and shows the pin is made of an unspecified white metal. This pin measure 28 mm wide x 19 mm tall. 

 

 

My photo of this 2016 DSS UNGA pin

 

 

Above is a photo of the same pin from the recent eBay offering (https://www.ebay.com/itm/165036454555?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D1110006%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D272621%26meid%3D70989997b48e4068b1553a422a330166%26pid%3D101875%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D165051866449%26itm%3D165036454555%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2332490%26algv%3DSimplAMLv11WebTrimmedV3MskuWithLambda85KnnRecallV1V2V4ItemNrtInQueryAndCassiniVisualRankerAndBertRecallWithVMEV3CPCAutoWithCassiniEmbRecall&_trksid=p2332490.c101875.m1851&itmprp=cksum%3A16503645455570989997b48e4068b1553a422a330166|enc%3AAQAJAAABcEnLatTXWXNAKPRnYtxVTXN2rJD11TMrqd%2Bc4NcqE%2BNGk6ejyqiKoKTZm%2BWiG7rLUKnmQT96yLmgza78VpCainYj%2Fcd7BbF%2F3JO7HSXt2n3iFYDbns8rSMT0idXbcmlMHWKniLK2o5tYYPmM8KWpVo95tWt2nTiQXMqmKRIMl5gAplMB1Ggx6kVqfXRetLAgGPhoSvNO74cZ7Y%2BLesUr%2BsJb0FfcG%2FGJqnIr8kHpbPlZB4nxqxNqgeHElsStNxgdEsLGpY3uJ6y8uoAjaHohSTt2YGlhI7LpKn%2BAqY9Yrfn7RY9Ji8jLJkkJxYrNsrwCKqFgcFQxL7w71eGqb0goyamuLvg9D%2FxaYezSQp7Fm6lKREC7bu4mKsL2wShQqN%2BRxE7bKrRW7qsk2nUZ%2FE8%2F0dli3mm6E0FHFI%2FOE2M7KqCmLaqFOhx4K6v2UOvjOH4k8D2ybvNeriwYluBxQdixvclCKYio1eOtFdZ5M%2BwpdMgj|ampid%3APL_CLK|clp%3A2332490&itmmeta=01J79H3J58R4W4H51QPMR0G9XD). This image provides a bit of additional detail of the very abbreviated form of the original badge design on this pin. 

 

Above are two images of a DSS pin for the United Nations General Assembly meeting in 2016. That session (71st) was in 2016. However, the first time the DSS used the new Commemorative Badge carried by DSS Agents for special occasions, incorporating the shape and many design elements from the original 1916 badge design, was initially carried by DSS Agents was for the 76th session in 2022 (see my post on this thread of 19 January, 2022). The pin measures 29 mm wide x 20 mm tall. The obverse is coated in Lucite. The reverse is unmarked and shows the pin is made of an unspecified white metal. 

 

 

DSS pin for the United Nations General Assembly 72nd Session in 2018. The original badge element has the motto: “SPECIAL AGENTS DIVISION” on the upper banner, and lacks the dates or “SINCE 1916”. The obverse is covered in Lucite. This pin measures 31 mm in diameter. The reverse of this pin is unmarked and indicates it is made of an unspecified white metal. 

 

 

Obverse

 

 

Reverse

 

Above are 2 low-resolution images of the only other DSS challenge coin I have found online that employs a version of the original 1916 Special Agents' Division badge. During my internet searches for the use of the original 1916 Special Agents’ Division on other DSS Challenge Coins and pins, I have only found this one other example, illustrated above. This is a DSS Challenge Coin for the RSO in Mumbai, India. There is no date on the coin. There are only low-resolution images of this coin available from a 21 May, 2013 eBay auction archived on the WorthPoint website (https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/rso-consulate-general-mumbai-india-441725666). As noted above, the original badge design is very similar to that shown as the 5th photo in this post, a form of the design I find particularly cartoonish. Although blurry, I am certain the motto on the upper banner is the DSS name , and the date 1916 is placed below the eagle, and there is no “SINCE” above it as on the coin example shown in my 3rd photo here. There is no blue enamel on this badge element. Both faces are covered in Lucite. The eBay description identifies the coin as 2 inches in diameter (~50 mm). 

Edited October 22 by Rusty Greaves