New York Stock Exchange Security Badge | Rare Pre-1924 Hat Badge

We have been searching for one of these rare badges for over a decade. This is an exceptionally rare piece of Wall Street history: a pre-1924 New York Stock Exchange security guard hat badge. Made by the esteemed C.G. Braxmar Company of New York, this stamped metal badge would have been worn on the officer’s hat. The maker’s mark lists their 10 Maiden Lane address in New York (the firm moved to 55th Street in 1925), anchoring its pre-1924 manufacture date.

Key Highlights

• Era: Pre-1924
• Issuer/Association: New York Stock Exchange security staff
• Maker: C.G. Braxmar Company (New York)
• Origin/Address: 10 Maiden Lane, New York (moved to 55th Street in 1925)
• Material & Type: Stamped metal hat badge with screw post
• Dimensions: Approximately 2 7/8" high x 2 3/8" wide
• Condition: As pictured

State Seal & Imagery

The badge features the State of New York seal, a richly symbolic design: a rising sun behind a majestic sailing ship on the Hudson, with a smaller sailboat (sloop). The shore is portrayed with grasses and mountain ranges, all framed by the seal’s heraldic style. Supporters include Liberty (holding a pole with a Phrygian cap and stepping on a discarded English crown) and Justice (blindfolded, with sword and scales). The crest shows an American eagle perched on a world globe, with the motto Excelsior (Ever Upward). The bottom bears the inscription “New York Stock Exchange".

Historical Context – NYSE Security & Guard History

NYSE security staff have evolved from basic floor attendants in the 19th century into a highly trained security force responsible for building access, perimeter protection, and asset security. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, guards oversaw cash, stock certificates, and valuable documents on the trading floor and in adjacent areas. The shift from informal protection to formalized security protocols reflected growing trading volumes, increased asset risk, and the need for disciplined access controls. Over the decades, NYSE security expanded to include armored transport practices for physical assets and later adopted modern security technologies and procedures.

Collectibility & Display

• Rare pre-1924 NYSE security badge tied to Wall Street policing and market history
• Ideal for display in finance/history collections, numismatics displays, libraries, or offices
• Valuable for collectors focused on security memorabilia, exchange history, and engraving artistry

Specifications