Description:

JEWISH GHETTO POLICE BADGE
An extraordinarily rare item, a chest or (more likely) hat badge worn by a Polish member of the Jewish Order Service, referred to by their fellow Jews as the Jewish Police. These auxiliary police units were organized in the Jewish ghettos of Europe by local Judenrat councils under order of the occupying German Nazis. The hexagonal brass badge measures 1 1/2" across with a blue enamel border and raised lettering at the edge: "ORDNUNGSDIENST SLUZBA PORZADKOW" ("Auxiliary Police" in German and Polish) . At center appears a Star of David. The reverse bears a screw-on dial with maker's mark: "J. Olszewski GRAWER WARSZAWA" indicating this item was manufactured in Warsaw and was likely worn by a Jewish policeman in the Warsaw Ghetto. Very good condition, the first we've seen anywhere. Members of the Jewish police rarely wore uniforms, carried no firearms, and were used primarily to secure Jews for deportation. They usually had little connection with the communities they oversaw; some even converted to Christianity and adopted anti-Semitic attitudes. The Warsaw Ghetto had the largest contingent of Jewish police, numbering about 2,500. Of course, by war's end, these collaborators met the same end as their victims. These badges have been copied in recent years - we include a modern "knock-off" for comparison.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipment is sent USPS priority, USPS International Express (for most overseas) or UPS Ground at the auctioneer's option, signature required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling, shipping and insurance charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyer's should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. Customer's who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee.

June 4, 2010 11:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 22.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 + $1,000