NYSE Stock Clearing Corporation Security Guard Hat Badge (C.G. Braxmar) | 1920–1950s
Discover an exceptionally rare piece of Wall Street history: this 1920–1950s New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) Stock Clearing Corporation security guard hat badge, crafted by the respected C.G. Braxmar Company of New York. The stamped metal badge features a screw-post attachment and would have been worn on an officer’s hat—making it a standout artifact for collectors of exchange history and vintage securities security memorabilia.
Why This NYSE Clearing Badge Is So Rare
NYSE security badges are extremely rare, and items associated with the Stock Clearing Corporation are even harder to find. This badge connects to the NYSE’s clearing system—an intermediary role that helped protect trades, reduce fraud risk, and improve stability as market volumes expanded.
Stock Clearing Corporation: The Role Behind the Badge
Stock Clearing Houses were established to settle stock trades by acting as an intermediary between buyers and sellers. The stock to be delivered was reflected on a member firm balance sheet and then cancelled against incoming trade tickets, helping prevent fraud and reducing the risk of one party backing out.
- The NYSE formed its clearing house in 1892.
- As trading volume grew, the Stock Clearing Corporation was established in 1920.
- These clearing operations reduced settlement risk and helped lower market volatility.
Hat Badge Details & Specifications
- Issuer/Association: New York Stock Exchange Clearing Corporation
- Era: estimated 1920–1950s
- Maker: C.G. Braxmar Company (New York)
- Type: stamped metal hat badge
- Attachment: screw post on back
- Dimensions: approx. 2 7/8" high x 2 3/8" wide
- Condition: as pictured
State Seal & Detailed 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 “Stock Clearing Corporation".
NYSE Security & Guard History (Context)
NYSE security evolved from early floor attendants into a more formal protection force tasked with building access, perimeter security, and protecting assets. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, guards supervised cash, stock certificates, and valuable documents. The Stock Clearing Corp also maintained its own dedicated officers, reflecting the increasing need for disciplined access control as trading volumes and risks grew.
