Rca Bmews-ballistic Missile Early Warning System

Offered is a security guard's badge and cloth patch as used at an RCA BMEWS (Ballistic Missile Early Warning System) facility in the 1960s cold war era. The BMEWS was a radar-based early warning system that was deployed as a network of 12 installations in Alaska, northern Canada, and northern Europe. These were designed to detect an impending Russian nuclear attack which would have been launched over the north pole, the shortest route between Russia and the USA. Construction began in 1958, and the system became operational in 1961 and remained in service until 2001. The badge and patch were most likely used at an RCA training facility in New Jersey. The badge is used and is in very nice condition, the patch does not appear to have been used. Both are in "as found" condition, the patch has light soiling.  The badge could certainly benefit from some polishing. The stud on the back of the badge is slightly bent, and the thumb screw that held it to the hat or uniform is missing. The badge measures 2 by 3 inches, and the patch measures 4 by 6 inches.  The enameled logo on the badge is 7/8 inches in diameter. Both pieces are rare, and it's unusual to find them together. These should appeal to collectors of RCA memorabilia, artifacts of the cold war, or police/security badges. Thank you for looking!

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