October 25, 2023 The Paul Friedrich Collection of Firearms & Gold Rush
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/25/2023
Fantastic and historically important badge display of an early Nevada County, California lawman killed in the line of duty. Lot includes two badges that were worn by Jacob Teeter, Deputy Sheriff of Nevada County in Truckee, California, and Constable of Meadow Lake. There are four additional badges at the bottom of the display that would be of the style and era worn by James Reed, but not attributed to him. The first badge is circa 1860s and is one of the earliest Nevada County badges known. It consists of a jeweler made, sterling silver, 5-point star with circular outside ring. Badge is cut from solid silver stock and was gold gilded when it was first made. The top of the circular frame reads: "JACOB TEETER." Center of star reads: "Deputy Sheriff" and below that, "Nevada Co. Cal." Reverse has a T-pin catch. The second badge was made by J.C. Irvine and is also a 5-point star, gold gilded overall, with hard-fired royal blue enamel letters that read: "CONSTABLE / MEADOW LAKE, TP," with a blue precious stone in the center. In 1877, 26-year-old Jacob "Jake" Teeter took over as constable of Meadow Lake Township, which included the eastern portion of Nevada County and the town of Truckee. Officer Teeter would hold the position of constable or deputy sheriff for nearly 24 years until his death in a gunfight with another Truckee lawman in 1891 named James Reed. They had a long-standing feud that had caused a bitter rivalry that ultimately ended with gunfire. There is a large paperwork file accompanying this lot that details the history of Jacob Teeter as well as that of his killer, James Reed. The story that led up to the gunfight spans decades, and is well known in the town of Truckee. It is considered by historians and citizens of Truckee to be the most famous shootout in local history. Many online sources detail both of their colorful law enforcement histories. These very badges are pictured on pg. 33 in James C. Casey's book "Badges of America's Finest: A Pictorial Guide to the Badges of American Lawmen and Price Guide, 2008." CONDITION: Both Teeter badges show some light wear, with the silver deputy sheriff badge missing 85% of the gold gilt. The jeweler engraved details are strong and legible. The Meadow Lake Constable badge retains nearly all of its original finish, including its enamel letters and blue stone in center. Bottom badges show strong nickeling and would rate as fine.