Bureau of Prisons

Federal institution warder badge. "Warder" is an old term for a guard. Age and authenticity unknown. Museum purchase 2011.

Penal and correctional institutions badge known to be used as Alcatraz officer badge. Photo of officer pending. Museum purchase from Ray Sherrard, the former godfather of federal collecting, 2014. Badge shape also used as inspiration for U.S. Probation Centennial badge.

Full size gold command staff badge. In retired D.C. BOP executive’s collection. Image used with permission.

1" badge pin. Badges were worn under the left lapel of USP Alcatraz officers' uniforms from 1934 to 1960 and issued before identification cards. Information provided by Kenneth LaMaster, former BOP employee, now collector and historian. This example is unmarked, has a broken screw back, and is missing the screw "button."

Full size silver officer badge. Web photo.

Reverse of badge.

Web image of a USP cap device worn before the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) was established in 1930. Congress passed the "Three Prisons Act," which established the Federal Prison System (FPS). The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) operated the first three prisons – USP Leavenworth, USP Atlanta, and USP McNeil Island – with limited oversight.

Variation of a Federal Prison Service (FPS) hat badge. Gold Captain badge. Marked Metal Arts Co. Roch, NY, and gold filled. The FPS was established in 1891, and Congress established the BOP in 1930.

Federal Prison Service (FPS) hat badge. FPS was established in 1891, and Congress established the BOP in 1930. Worn by officers at USPs 1930s to 1960s. Marked Metal Arts Co., Roch, N.Y.

Second variation of Federal Prison Service (FPS) hat badge. Worn by officers at the West Street Jail in the 1930s. FPS was established in 1891, and Congress established the BOP in 1930 Instead of "United States Dept. of Justice," the badge has a panel riveted for "Correctional Institutions."

Third variation of a Federal Prison Service (FPS) hat badge. The FPS was established in 1891, and Congress established the BOP in 1930. Instead of "United States Dept. of Justice," the badge has a panel riveted for "Penal Institutions." Hallmarked Robbins Co., Attleboro, MA.

Mark R. Berge’s cap to his old uniform. Provided by Dr. Zane L. Berge.

Web image of "Angel Wings" patch shown on officer uniform.

These 3" x 1 3/8" patches were worn above the left suit coat pocket of officers' uniforms before 1940. Known as the "Angel Wings" patch, they were worn for a short time and are rare. May have been worn only at Leavenworth. Information courtesy of Kenneth LaMaster, former BOP employee, now collector and historian.

Officer wearing patch on uniform at Terminal Island USP.

Early and rare West Coast patch.

Example not in the Museum. These United States Penitentiary (USP) tags were worn before the BOP was established in 1930. They were collar pins worn on shirts where rank insignia is now worn on uniform shirts. Congress passed the "Three Prisons Act," which established the Federal Prison System (FPS). The DOJ operated the first three prisons – USP Leavenworth, USP Atlanta, and USP McNeil Island – with limited oversight. 1 1/2” wide by 1/2” tall. Heavy duty threaded pin in the center, with two other exposed pins off to each side. The prison guard who owned this was a WWI veteran. He worked in several East Coast and New York City federal penitentiaries in the 1920s.

BOP prisoner transportation officers or bus crew badge. Used by officers who escorted inmates outside of the federal prisons between 1976 and 1983.

Web image of a BOP prisoner transportation officers or bus crew badge, in credential case with authorization card. Used by officers who escorted inmates outside of the federal prisons between 1976 and 1983. The badges were issued as a wallet, with a clip, which was later removed and glued in a display, as pictured below. These were issued when the buses ran. Most were destroyed when the Bureau changed its seal. Some were presented as gifts and parting tokens at the discretion of the institution's warden.

After badges were taken out of service, some were used as awards to high-ranking BOP officials. It is unknown if the die pictured here was used to make additional badges for awards. Image from the BOP museum in Colorado.

2 1/8" badge. Unmarked with damage to the inner enamel seal. Believed to be old due to size and construction. Not official issue, and likely a one-off badge. From a collection of a 95 year old named Bob from Brookfield, Wisconsin.

Example in the Museum. These United States Penitentiary (USP) tags were worn before the BOP was established in 1930. They were collar pins worn on shirts where rank insignia is now worn on uniform shirts. Congress passed the "Three Prisons Act," which established the Federal Prison System (FPS). The DOJ operated the first three prisons – USP Leavenworth, USP Atlanta, and USP McNeil Island – with limited oversight. 1 1/2” wide by 1/2” tall. Heavy duty threaded pin in the center, with two other exposed pins off to each side. The prison guard who owned this was a WWI veteran. He worked in several East Coast and New York City federal penitentiaries in the 1920s.

2 1/2 " horse patrol badge. Based on the attachments on the back of the badge, it may have been attached to the horse tact.

BOP seal in credential wallet.

Historical replica pin sold on Alcatraz, and online through the Golden Gate National Parks Conservatory. The pin is a larger version at 1 1/4", has a clutch back and is marked "Replica."

Reverse of card

Commemorative limited-edition badge and pin replica.

Close up of badge.

Historical replica pin sold on Alcatraz, and online through the Golden Gate National Parks Conservatory. The pin is a larger version at 1 1/4", has a clutch back and is marked "Replica."

Reverse of card

Commemorative limited-edition badge and pin replica.

Bage and buttons web image.

Likely fake or at the very least non-official Alcatraz badge.

Unofficial badge likely carried off duty.

Unofficial badge likely carried off duty. Image courtesy of Ken Lucas.

Unofficial badge, likely carried off duty. Image courtesy of Ken Lucas.

Web image patch not in Museum. Federal Prison Service (FPS) first patch. The book represents the law, the key, and security, and the rays represent education and rehabilitation. It is also thought that the patch represents redemption through the book of salvation. Officers wore these patches on the left shoulder of their uniforms between 1939 and 1969, 2" in diameter.

Patch in Museum. Federal Prison Service (FPS) first patch. The book represents the law, the key, and security, and the rays represent education and rehabilitation. It is also thought that the patch represents redemption through the book of salvation. Officers wore these patches on the left shoulder of their uniforms between 1939 and 1969, 2" in diameter.

2 3/4" patch. The three Cs stand for Custody, Care, and Corrections. The Bureau's second seal, developed by BOP Director Norman A. Carlson, 1970-1987. Patches worn on the left breast of gold uniform blazers and aquamarine blazers. Information courtesy Kenneth LaMaster, former BOP employee, now collector and historian.

3 1/2" UNICOR prison industries patch of unknown manufacture. A stylized "P" and "I." Probably 1970s/80s. Donated by Fred Corner, BOP employee.

BOP patch discontinued 2016/2017.

Old uniform trainee shirt patch at Glynco. It was worn above the left breast pocket.

Unused 4" x 3 1/2," 2016-2017 command staff uniform patch.

2016/2017 command staff breast patch.

Unused 4" x 3 1/2," 2016-2017 officer uniform patch.

2016/2017 officer breast patch.

Web image. Federal Prison System (FPS) credential.

Federal Prison System (FPS) credential.

Federal Prison System (FPS) credential. Image donated by a BOP official in Washington, DC, who served at USP Alcratz.

Obverse of Mark R. Berge’s retirement credential. Donated by Dr. Zane L. Berge. Mark R. Berge retired after 20 years of service on May 31, 1983.

Small 9/16" Federal Prison Service (FPS) five-year pin. Used 1930s to 1960s. Marked Sterling, Metal Arts Co. Roch. The FPS was established in 1891, and Congress established the BOP in 1930.

Small 9/16" Federal Prison Service (FPS) 10-year pin. Used 1930s to 1960s. Marked Sterling, Metal Arts Co, Roch. FPS was established in 1891, and Congress established the BOP in 1930.

Small 9/16" Federal Prison Service (FPS) 15- year pin. Used 1930s to 1960s. Marked Sterling Metal Arts Co, Roch. FPS was established in 1891, and Congress established the BOP in 1930.

Small 9/16" Federal Prison Service (FPS) 20-year pin. Used 1930s to 1960s. Unmarked. FPS was established in 1891, and Congress established the BOP in 1930.

Small 9/16" Federal Prison Service (FPS) 25-year pin. Used 1930s to 1960s. Unmarked. FPS was established in 1891, and Congress established the BOP in 1930.

Small 9/16" Federal Prison Service (FPS) 30-year pin. Used 1930s to 1960s. Unmarked. FPS was established in 1891, and Congress established the BOP in 1930.

Web image. I have never seen these in silver. Likely officer buttons. Interlocking USP buttons were worn only on uniforms of the first three USPs: Leavenworth, Atlanta, and McNeil Island. May have been made by the Waterbury Button Co. in 1897 and worn through the 1900s. Many military, police, and fire departments interlocked their insignia for good luck, and it was considered a sign of unity, strength, and perseverance.

1 1/8" overcoat button. Marked "Superior Quality." Interlocking USP buttons were worn on uniforms only of the first three USPs: Leavenworth, Atlanta, and McNeil Island. May have been made by the Waterbury Button Co. in 1897 and worn through the 1900s. Many military, police, and fire departments interlocked their insignia for good luck, and it was considered a sign of unity, strength, and perseverance. Information courtesy of Kenneth LaMaster, former BOP employee, now collector and historian.

7/8" brass officer uniform button Marked Superior Quality, (1 1/8" overcoat button above). Purchased from a person who received it in 1975 from his father-in-law, Steve Hudson, who worked for the BOP for 47 years. Mr. Hudson was stationed at Segaville, TX, and Leavenworth, KS, and retired from El Reno FCI, where he was in charge of prison industries.

3/4" tin officer sleeve button (smallest) from a U.S. Prison Service uniform. Marked Waterbury Button Co. Used in the 1920s.

7/8" brass officer uniform button. Marked "Superior Quality," was a back mark used by the Waterbury Button Co., from 1875 to 1935 and/or the Steele & Johnson Company when they were inherited by the Waterbury companies. Purchased from a person who received it in 1975 from his father-in-law, Steve Hudson, who worked for the BOP for 47 years. Mr. Hudson was stationed at Segaville, TX, and Levinworth, KS, and retired from El Reno FCI, where he oversaw prison industries. Used in the 1920s.

1" tin officer button from a U.S. Prison Service uniform. Marked Waterbury Button Co. Used in the 1920s.

Small 5/8" button style badge. Badges were worn under the left lapel of officers' uniforms before 1930 and issued before identification cards. Image courtesy of retired second generation BOP employee and collector Steve LaBier. Information provided to him by Kenneth LaMaster, former BOP employee.

Tin officer button from a U.S. Prison Service uniform.

Inmate button on uniform. Information and photo provided by Kenneth LaMaster, former BOP employee, now collector and historian.

Web image of a dug button.

Unmarked 7/8" inmate uniform button used between 1897 and 1920. Purchased from the person who received it in 1975 from his father-in-law, Steve Hudson, who worked for the BOP for 47 years. Mr. Hudson was stationed at Segaville, TX, and Levinworth, KS, and retired from El Reno, FCI, where he was in charge of prison industries.

5/8" pin marked B.B. Co., 10 KT GF. The three Cs stand for Custody, Care, and Corrections. The BOP's second seal used 1970-1978.

1/2" pin appears to be plastic, with the pin glued to the back. The three C's stand for Custody, Care, and Corrections. The BOP's second seal used 1970-1978. The BOP issued them to officers when completing initial training at the Atlanta Training Center. Issued throughout the 1970s. Information courtesy Steve Labier, retired second generation BOP employee and collector.

14" plastic seal made by General Displays, Annandale, VA. From the estate of a retired BOP warden. The three Cs stand for Custody, Care, and Corrections. The Bureau's second seal, developed by BOP Director Norman A. Carlson, 1970-1987.

2 3/4" square reflective sticker made by Scotch in the USA. Used on riot helmets. The three Cs stand for Custody, Care, and Corrections. The BOP's second seal used 1970-1978.

Silver 5/8" pin with badge type pin clasp, marked B.B. Co., 10 KT GF. From a liquidated estate. Officer believed to have served at McNeil Island.

Silver 5/8" pin with badge type pin clasp, marked B.B. Co., 10 KT GF.

Gold 5/8" pin with badge type pin clasp, marked B.B. Co., 10 KT GF.

Web image.

Gold 9/16" service pin with badge type clasp. Marked 1/10-10K GF.

Newer 9/16" service pin with pin and clutch type clasp. Not marked.

Older 9/16" service pin with badge type clasp. Marked 10K gold filled.

Newer 9/16" 25 years of service pin with pin and clutch type clasp. Marked 10K gold filled.

Newer 9/16" 30 years of service pin with pin and clutch type clasp. Unmarked, with "diamond chips."

Original 4 1/2" Foldger Adams key from FCI Greenville, Illinois. When the facility was activated in the early 1990s, the contractors compromised the security of the keys before turning them over to the BOP. Therefore, every door in the facility had to be rekeyed. This is one of those compromised keys. Provided by a senior BOP official, Washington DC.

BOP identification. Purchased from an inmate not under the supervision of this officer or the retired officer's district, via eBay. Along with the sale, Mr. Greenwald advised that he was sentenced in the Northern District of Oklahoma to 84 months prison and 3 years of supervised release on November 14, 2014. A U.S. attorney press release related that he was convicted of conspiracy to money launder, which was related to stealing and selling Verizon telecommunications equipment. Mr. Greenwald is also the author of Document Fraud and Other Crimes of Deception. Identification used in the museum with Mr. Greenwald's permission.

4 1/2" key found at a local estate in Chicago, Illinois, in 2016. It was at the house of a policeman who passed away.

One of a group of 4 3/4" keys found in a scrapyard in Killeen, TX.

Marked Bureau of Prisons key. Age and authenticity unknown.

Detail of key.

Current logo pin.

1 1/4" memorial "chit" honoring Osvaldo Albarati, who was murdered while driving home from MDC Guaynabo. Chits are used in the BOP to identify keys. Donation courtesy of Special Agent Stephen A. Buckler, Office of Internal Affairs, BOP.

The Mariel Cuban inmates at USP Atlanta made these die using a cube of soap, then dipped them in melted trash bags. The year 1986 is significant because it was the year before they took over the prison when the State Department announced that inmates would be sent back to Cuba.

Parking tag 4 3/4" x 2 3/4." Used between 2003 and 2006 at FCI Estill, SC. Donation courtesy of a Special Agent, Office of Internal Affairs, BOP, 2016.

Most recent button used on blazers. Made by the Waterbury Button Co., 7/8".

Huge 5 1/4" patch, produced by Vicki White Enterprises for the U.S. marshals who were in charge of the joint USMS, FBI, BOP, INSP task force that provided transportation security detail for Timothy McVeigh from Oklahoma to USP Terre Haute, Indiana, where he was put to death on 06/11/2001. McVeigh killed 168 people in the bombing of the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on April 19, 1995. Museum purchase 2018.

Operation Elm Tree was the name given to the security operation at USP Terre Haute, Indiana, for the execution of domestic terrorist Timothy McVeigh, who killed 168 people in the bombing of the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on April 19, 1995. This patch was made for the FBI portion of the detail. The date on the patch is the execution date. Patch marked GMAN Emblem.

Louis Jones, a retired soldier, then a bus driver at Goodfellow Air Force Base, was found guilty in federal court and sentenced to death for the February 18, 1995, kidnapping and murder of 19-year-old Army Private Tracie McBride. The death sentence was carried out by lethal injection at USP Terre Haute.

Ms. McBride was in training with the 344th Military Intelligence Battalion. The 344th is known as "The Silent Sentinel," and their unit insignia was used in this 5" x 3 3/8" patch design. The date of the execution, 3-18-03, is noted on the center sunburst. The seven stars along the bottom of the patch represent the time of the execution, 7 a.m. The agencies involved are the BOP; USMS; FBI; Terre Haute PD; Indiana State Police; and Vigo County, SD.

Obverse of poker chip used as an incentive in English and Spanish. Most facilities have some item to give to inmates.

Reverse of poker chip used a an incentive. Most facilities have some item to give to inmates.

Obverse 1 1/2" plastic token, possibly from FCI Talladega.

Reverse 1 1/2" plastic token, possibly from FCI Talladega.

Web image of various BOP caps.

Leg irons manufactured by American Munitions, Chicago, IL, and used at USP Leavenworth in the 1940s and 1950s. An electric engraver was used to mark them. USPO purchase, and authentication by USP Leavenworth historian Kenneth LaMaster. Museum purchase 2019.

Closeup of USP Leavenworth engraving.

Although there is no way to prove the fact, the seller attributed these leg irons to having been worn by James Earl Ray, who assassinated Martin Luther King, Jr. Museum purchase 2019.

Closeup of American Munitions, Chicago, IL, stamp. The engraved number is likely an inventory number.

Ray served four years at USP Leavenworth (1955-1959) after being convicted of mail fraud after stealing money orders in Hannibal, MO, then forging them to take a trip to Florida. Museum purchase 2019.

BOP tie clip used and donated by a recently retired officer.

National Academy of Corrections semi-bullion patch. Web image. Academy founded in 11981, in Colorado.

Vintage web image. Warder is an old term for a prison guard.

Web image. Free & Accepted Masons Lodge 244, Alma, MI . Button likely from a tour.

Web image.

Marked: B. Pasquale Co., Badges, Banners, Lapel Buttons.

NEW! Third variation of a Federal Prison Service (FPS) hat badge. The FPS was established in 1891, and Congress established the BOP in 1930. Instead of "United States Dept. of Justice," the badge has a panel riveted for "Penal Institutions." Hallmarked Robbins Co., Attleboro, MA, 1/10 10K GF. Web image.

NEW! Federal Bureau of Prison Key head. I is common practice to cut the head off of decommissioned keys to be used for other purposes. Key manufactured prior to Southern Steel merging with Foldger Adams. Likely produced in 2003.