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American Protective League Badges


Badges shown here are collectible items. They are not intended for ANY other purpose. It is a violation of the law to carry, use, or attempt to impersonate a member of law enforcement or other organizations or carry a badge without proper authorization and identification. Familiarity with the law and proper use and display of these items is the responsibility of the purchaser.


American Protective League Badges


The APL was a forerunner of the modern FBI, formed during World War I as a group of amateur spy hunters. It operated under the jurisdiction of the Department of Justice during the early 1900s. It was a volunteer spy organization responsible for gathering and reporting information regarding all violations of war and espionage acts and proclamations. The organization of the APL was noted by J. Edgar Hoover, and his Bureau of Investigation was based on many of the same concepts as the APL.

The organization allegedly had nearly 250,000 members at the height of WWI. The APL was disbanded shortly after World War I in the early 1920s.  It is a defunct organization.

Thumbnail (Click to Enlarge) Item Number
Item Name
Description, Size, Condition Price Status

APL-01

World War I Era American Protective League OFFICER Number 818 Department of Justice Badge

This is a very scarce variant of the APL badge.

This badge is from the supervisory police OFFICER portion of the organization. It is a gold colored die-struck badge with stamped lettering and a stamped three digit number.

The badge measures 2-1/2 by 1-3/4 inches.  It has a spring pin closure.  It is die-struck and has no maker marks apparent. Here is a view of the back of the badge.

The condition is generally near excellent with moderate signs of wear and tarnish from age, apparent in the images shown.

$299.99 Available
APL-05

This is an obsolete American Protective League Secret Service issued LOW numbered A-56 badge.

It is die struck with black enamel on silver.

It measures 1-1/2 by 2-5/8 inches.

Here is a view of the back.

The condition is near excellent, with virtually intact original enamel, as shown.

$299.99 Available
APL-05

This is an obsolete American Protective League Secret Service issued LOW numbered A-164 badge.

It is die struck with black enamel on silver.

It measures 1-1/2 by 2-5/8 inches.

Here is a view of the back.

The condition is near excellent, with virtually intact original enamel and light tarnish, as shown.

$299.99 Available
APL-06

This is an obsolete American Protective League Secret Service issued LOW numbered 505 badge.

It is die struck with black enamel on silver.

It measures 1-1/2 by 2-5/8 inches.

Here is a view of the back.

The condition is near excellent, with virtually intact original enamel, as shown.

$299.99 Available
APL-07

This is an obsolete American Protective League Secret Service issued numbered 9504 badge.

It is die struck with black enamel on silver.

It measures 1-1/2 by 2-5/8 inches.

Here is a view of the back.

The condition is near excellent, with virtually intact original enamel, as shown.

$299.99 Available
APL-15

World War I Era American Protective League Operative Department of Justice Badge

This badge is from the OPERATIVE portion of the organization. It is a gold colored badge with raised lettering and a stamped THREE digit number 563.

The badge measures 2-1/2 by 1-3/4 inches.  It has a drop in safety pin closure.  It is die-struck and has no maker marks apparent. Here is a view of the back of the badge. It is numbered 563.

The condition is excellent to nearly mint, apparent in the images shown.

$299.99 Available
APL-08

World War I Era American Protective League Operative Department of Justice Badge

This badge is from the OPERATIVE portion of the organization. It is a gold colored badge with raised lettering and a stamped four digit number 1902.

The badge measures 2-1/2 by 1-3/4 inches.  It has a drop in safety pin closure.  It is die-struck and has no maker marks apparent. Here is a view of the back of the badge. It is numbered 1902.

The condition is generally excellent with only minor signs of wear and tarnish from age, apparent in the images shown. More than 95% of the original gilt finish remains.

$299.99 Available
APL-12

World War I Era American Protective League Operative Department of Justice Badge

This badge is from the OPERATIVE portion of the organization. It is a gold colored badge with raised lettering and a stamped four digit number 1994.

The badge measures 2-1/2 by 1-3/4 inches.  It has a drop in safety pin closure.  It is die-struck and has no maker marks apparent. Here is a view of the back of the badge. It is numbered 1994.

The condition is generally excellent with only minor signs of wear and tarnish from age, apparent in the images shown. More than 95% of the original gilt finish remains.

$299.99 Available
APL-14

World War I Era American Protective League Operative Department of Justice Badge

This badge is from the OPERATIVE portion of the organization. It is a gold colored badge with raised lettering and a stamped four digit number 3605.

The badge measures 2-1/2 by 1-3/4 inches.  It has a drop in safety pin closure.  It is die-struck and has no maker marks apparent. Here is a view of the back of the badge. It is numbered 3605.

The condition is generally excellent with only minor signs of wear and tarnish from age, apparent in the images shown. More than 95% of the original gilt finish remains.

$299.99 Available
APL-10

World War I Era American Protective League Operative Department of Justice Badge

This badge is from the OPERATIVE portion of the organization. It is a gold colored badge with raised lettering and a stamped four digit number 5311.

The badge measures 2-1/2 by 1-3/4 inches.  It has a drop in safety pin closure.  It is die-struck and has no maker marks apparent. Here is a view of the back of the badge. It is numbered 5311.

The condition is generally excellent with only minor signs of wear and tarnish from age, apparent in the images shown. More than 95% of the original gilt finish remains.

$299.99 Available
APL-11

World War I Era American Protective League Operative Number 6121 Department of Justice Badge

This badge is from the OPERATIVE portion of the organization. It is a gold colored badge with raised lettering and a stamped four digit number 6121.

The badge measures 2-1/2 by 1-3/4 inches.  It has a drop in safety pin closure.  It is die-struck and has no maker marks apparent. Here is a view of the back of the badge. It is numbered 6121.

The condition is generally near very good with minor signs of wear and tarnish from age, apparent in the images shown.

$299.99 Available

APL-13

World War I Era American Protective League Operative Number 6709 Department of Justice Badge

This badge is from the OPERATIVE portion of the organization. It is a gold colored badge with raised lettering and a stamped four digit number 6709.

The badge measures 2-1/2 by 1-3/4 inches.  It has a drop in safety pin closure.  It is die-struck and has no maker marks apparent. Here is a view of the back of the badge. It is numbered 6709.

The condition is generally near good with moderate signs of wear and tarnish from age, apparent in the images shown.

$299.99 Available