Ext. Rare 'Old West' Shawnee Co., KS Sheriff Presentation Badge 1898-1903 to Porter S. Cook

ARTIFACT: Wonderful & Iconic 1903 Shawnee Co. Kansas full Sheriff Presentation Suspension Badge. When I first started collecting badges 30 years ago, the most iconic badge one could ever hope to find form the Old West was a Suspension badge, often worn by a City Marshal or full Sheriff of a County. This type for badge is called as "Suspension" badge because of the construction with the shield "suspended" from the top bar. It is one of the truly classic & iconic type of badges form the old west. Over the years I was able to find one for myself, and this is just the second example of such type of badge to come my way. And it doesn't get much more "western" than Shawnee County, Kansas!
This badge was presented by Friends upon two term, Sheriff Porter S. Cook's retirement, apparently in January of 1903, hence the date, as Cook's term technically ended with the year 1902. It looks like there may have been some discrepancy on the date of presentation, as it appears the date on reverse was re-engraved. Badge Appears to be rolled rose gold with a sheet brass interior. The suspension bar reads: "PORTER S. COOK" and the center of the intricately detailed badge reads: "SHERIFF SHAWNEE COUNTY KANSAS 1898-1903" and the reverse reads: "FROM YOUR FRIENDS 1903"
Sheriff Cook Photo (in slideshow) - Credit Kansas Historical Society

Sheriff Cook was born in Pennsylvania and later migrated West with his new family. Cook operated the livery stable until he ran for Sheriff of Shawnee County, defeating Robert B. Kepley by a narrow margin, and Kepley contested the election results, but Cook prevailed. Sheriff Cook had rare occasion to host the infamous Carrie Nation in his jail after a Topeka officer arrested her while destroying the Senate saloon. "Ms. Nation said of Sheriff Cook, "Mr. Cook was Sheriff and I was treated very nicely by him and Mrs. Cook. Mrs. Cook's mother was visiting them at this time, a woman thoroughly in sympathy with my work, and I believe that the influence of this good woman was the cause of my being treated so well, for after she left things were very different." (page 60)
April 7, 1898 – The Topeka Daily Capital
Headline: DAY OF SORROW FOR JOINTISTS RAID SILENTLY PLANNED AND FEARLESSLY EXECUTED

Three raids, three wagon loads of liquor, and six of the biggest jointists under $300 bond each, are the net results of two hours' fast work yesterday afternoon by six of Sheriff Cook's deputies. Mum was the word. No 'tip' was given to the three victims. The work was well planned and fearlessly executed by the deputy sheriffs. Liquor in large quantities was taken from Lon Townsend, Harry Croft, and Walt Richards and all three were arrested. Sheriff Cook swore to the complaints under the nuisance law, Judge Hazen issued the search and seizure warrants, and County Attorney Jetmore issued the warrants for arrest (pg. 65)
The information above is courtesy of the Kansas City Sheriff's Department (see two web addresses below)
http://www.shawneesheriff.org/sh/document/150th_Anniversary_Part_1.pdf
http://www.shawneesheriff.org/sh/document/150th_Anniversary_Part_2.pdf

VINTAGE: Circa 1903

SIZE: Approximately: 2-3/16" x 1-3/8"

MATERIALS / CONSTRUCTION: Appears to be rolled rose gold with a sheet brass interior.

ATTACHMENT: Horizontal pin with drop in swivel locking catch.

MARKINGS: None.

ITEM NOTES: This is from an Old West Lawman police and law enforcement collection which we will be listing more of over the next few months. CON-KDB-20-15 LDGEJX10/15 SDJJJX1/16

CONDITION: 8+ (Excellent): The badge shows minor to moderate wear, nearly all the rose gold details remain intact, overall excellent condition.