Few items from the American Frontier are more iconic than a sheriff or marshal's badge, and this example is no exception. Likely manufactured around the early 20th century, this piece was made for the city marshal of Muleshoe, Texas. The history of Muleshoe began with the establishment of a ranch in northwest Texas, which Henry Black named Muleshoe Ranch. The town itself was established in 1913 when a railway was laid between Lubbock and Farwell, and they simply borrowed the name from the nearby ranch. The town expanded rapidly through the early 20th century, becoming the Bailey County seat in 1917. The badge itself is of German silver and shows the iconic law enforcement shield shape with some light border engraving and a six-pointed star at the center. It is engraved with "MARSHAL/TEXAS/MULESHOE". There are no maker's markings. Includes a leather coin purse which is marked "YOUR-FRIEND/MULESHOE/ELEVATOR-INC./Muleshoe---Texas". It is unclear whether the badge was presented by the elevator company or whether the purse was simply used to store the badge when not in use. Provenance: The Greg Lampe Collection