J.B. Farr's 14K Gold Presentation Sheriff's Badge

204_01.jpg

J.B. Farr's 14K Gold Presentation Sheriff's Badge. An important piece of Colorado history and a magnificent example of a presentation badge. A highly detailed, elegant and ornate eagle-topped shield badge. The lettering is executed in blue enamel on three chiseled-edge, silver banners reading: "J. B. FARR / SHERIFF / HUERFANO CO COLO". The scroll topped shield has tassels on each side and the edge is finely detailed with fancy drop elements around the rope frame. The back is engraved with flourishes and the inscription: "From / J.D. Montez / M.A. Vigil / P.L. Sanchez / A.D. Valdez / New year 1903". A newspaper clipping of the era states in regards to the presentation of the badge: “The sheriff is justly proud of his handsome pin.”

Includes a packet of photocopies of newspaper articles, magazine articles and other research relating to J.B. Farr in general, and also some with photographs or mentions of the badge in particular. References include a 1911 “Walsenburg World” newspaper article; a 1914 “New York Times” article, contemporary book references and others.

Also includes the book "Blood Passion: The Ludlow Massacre and Class War in the American West," by Scott Martell, 2007. Farr was a key player in the massacre.

From the Walsenburg World, April 27, 1911 (which shows a photo of Farr wearing the badge):

“It is but fair to preface this brief biographical sketch with the statement that no citizen of Huerfano county has been the recipient of more honors of trust and responsibility than Jefferson B. Farr... Western pluck, enterprise and intelligence are rightly accounted for on the theory that it was the strongest of mind and heart as well as of body, that pushed out from the older communities to the Western frontier. It was a sturdy roll of men who came from the Eastern states to found an empire in Texas in 1855, and D.H. Farr, the father of J.B. Farr, was one of them.”

204_04.jpg

American Socialist, July 8, 1916

"Jeff Farr Dethroned. JEFF FARR, for twenty years the Sheriff (King) of Huerfano County has been kicked from his throne by the Supreme Court of Colorado. For twenty years Farr’s gang of deputy sheriffs (mine guards) has been the terror of the county.”

Lot 204, Sold $22,420
Brian Lebel's Cody Old West Auction - June 26th, 2021, Santa Fe, NM.

Roll Top Desk and Chair Used by Pat Garrett as Dona Ana County Sheriff

286_01.jpg

Roll top desk and chair from the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Department, used by Pat Garrett as Sheriff from 1896-1900. Desk is 43" tall, 60" wide and 30" deep with Dona Ana County property tag affixed. Condition is poor, but able to be refurbished if desired. The roll-top piece is included, though not attached. Desk and chair both circa 1880s.

Includes:

-Original bill of sale to Dona Ana County, New Mexico, dated Feb 4th, 1884 for the Sheriff’s Department.

-Copy of contemporary partial newspaper article about the museum showing desk in photo.

-Snapshots of desk displayed in Museum.

-Black and white photograph of Pat Garrett.

-1882 New Mexico law book: “General Laws of New Mexico” (cover detached).

Provenance: Displayed in the Dona Ana County Historical Museum of Lawmen (see paperwork accompanying lot). Also see online newspaper article, “Dona Ana County Sheriff Kim Stewart Shutters Law Enforcement Museum,” Las Cruces Sun News, August 10, 2020. (https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/2020/08/10/dona-ana-county-sheriff-kim-stewart-shutters-law-enforcement-museum-lawmen/3335373001)

For more information on the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Museums, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbSthnw8YWk (the desk appears at 0.53).

Lot 286, Sold $16,520
Brian Lebel's Cody Old West Auction - June 26th, 2021, Santa Fe, NM.