Manufactured c. 1890, this is a badge for the city marshal of Sweetwater, Texas. Sweetwater received a U.S. post office location in 1879 and in 1881 rail service began in the town. Through the building of lakes to increase water supply, Sweetwater became somewhat of a regional rail hub through the end of the 19th century and into the early 20th century. The badge itself is of German silver and shows the iconic five-pointed star shape of an early law enforcement badge with light border engraving. It is marked "SWEETWATER/MARSHAL/TEXAS". Provenance: The Greg Lampe Collection