A sharp little piece of Michigan fire service history — this vintage Bad Axe F.D. member badge is named to Charles Voelker and finished in a bright, silver-tone metal with an eagle crest and classic firefighting tools emblem (ladder + axe + equipment).
Bad Axe’s town name has an unforgettable local origin story tied to an 1861 survey camp where a badly damaged axe was found — and the name stuck.
That makes the “BAD AXE F.D.” lettering on this badge more than just a place name; it’s a conversation piece with real regional flavor.
Details
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Era: Mid-century vintage (estimated 1940s–1970s based on style)
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Location: Bad Axe, Michigan (Huron County)
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Front text: “MEMBER” + “BAD AXE F.D.”
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Name: CHARLES VOELKER (engraved around center ring)
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Design: Eagle top; radiant starburst edge; center emblem with ladder/axe/tools
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Material: Silver-tone metal (sterling not confirmed; no hallmark shown in photos)
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Size: Approx. 2" x 2"
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Back: Pin-back bar; round back plate with two small holes visible
Condition
Very good vintage condition with light surface scuffs and fine scratches consistent with age/handling (most visible in reflective areas). Lettering and raised detail remain crisp. Pin-back hardware appears intact in photos.
Collector’s Notes
Named badges are especially collectible because they anchor the piece to a real person and community. This one combines the appeal of a small-town department badge with the memorable Bad Axe place-name story — perfect for a badge board, shadow box, or thoughtful gift for a firefighter or Michigan-history collector.
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Disclaimer
All items are vintage and may show signs of age, wear, or use consistent with their history. Photos show the exact condition of each piece—please review them carefully, as they are part of the description.
While I do my best to capture colors accurately, your monitor or device screen may display colors slightly differently from the actual item.
Please Note:
These pieces come from estate collections and have been surface cleaned. You may wish to perform additional cleaning depending on your preference.
