Established in 1874, Camp County is located in northeast Texas, the county seat being Pittsburg. This desirable sheriff's badge is attributed to having belonged to James D. Stafford (1847-1933), who served as county sheriff for two terms from 1884 to 1888 and from 1890 to 1904. Included documentation shows that Stafford enlisted in the Confederate army in November of 1863, serving in Company I of the 3rd Georgia Cavalry, and was discharged in 1865. Stafford is also noted in the documents as having served as a deputy sheriff before being elected, as well as having "a way of catching horse thieves and other fugitives from justice that is peculiar to himself. He catches them every time." The badge itself is a lightly engraved, six-pointed star that is marked "CAMP/SHERIFF/COUNTY TEX." at the center. The back of the badge is fitted with a pin and is inscribed "FRANCES to JIM". Frances is listed as Stafford's wife in the included documentation as well as on his death certificate, where it is misspelled "Francis" (not included). Provenance: The Greg Lampe Collection

Fine, retaining faint traces of the original silver plating with the balance an attractively aged brass and crisp engraving overall with minimal handling marks. An attractive piece of Texas history!