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READ ME..

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1/ This collection is shown trough a succession of digital plates, organized by theme or according to the department's structure for the NYPD. 

 

I strictly collect the law enforcement patches that were or are still in use into the five boroughs. I do not collect the neighboring counties (Nassau, Westchester..).

 

I also can't afford to collect generic patches of National & Federal agencies such as Amtrak, USMS.. So I focus on New York city specific patches (Field offices, Joint ops..).

 

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2/ The inventory number retakes the references of Kenneth Brown and Chris Begg's guides. In case of conflict, the Kenneth Brown's inventory is preferred. I set up for my collection an additional inventory (with blue letters & numbers) for the missing and/or new patches.

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Furthermore, the terms NOVELTY and UNOFFICIAL retakes the Kenneth Brown's Empire State guide (VOL. III) foreword definition.

 

-"UNOFFICIAL patch isn't issued by the department. It may or may have not been authorized, but was worn on a uniform by one or more members at one time or another"

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-"NOVELTY patch isn't issued by the department or authorized and was never worn on duty (but may have been used by its members, on utility bags mostly)"

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I just use two additional terms : MORALE patch and MANUFACTURE SAMPLE. 

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There are many fakes/reproductions & fantasies makers in the hobby & I almost stopped collecting patches because of this. Yet some may appear here and there.

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Thanks for reading, Olivier

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