Traditionally the authority and proof of identity for Postal Inspectors has resided in their pocket-size commission, or “credentials,” usually kept in their coat or hip pocket and shown only as needed.
Lynch, Researcher, Postal History, U.S. Postal Service Photo: Background image of six Postal Inspector badges Caption: The star badge, above at left, was pictured on the Chief Inspector’s stationery in August 1921; its years of use are unknown. No documentation has been found for the two other badges pictured above. Star badges were worn in 1900 and possibly as late as 1922; by 1924 a shield-shaped badge was in use. See subscript 10 Photo: Pony Express Inspector Badge Caption: Date of introduction and first use unknown. First seen pictured in a collection of postal badges dated October 9, 1944.See subscript 9 Photo: Postal Eagle Inspector Badge Caption: The badge with the eagle seal of the United States Postal Service was introduced and in use in 1973. See subscript 8 Photo: Eagle head within Star Badge Caption: The badge with the Postal Service’s “sonic eagle” design was announced in the November 18, 1999, issue of the Postal Bulletin. It was in use by 2000. See subscript 7 Badges have been worn by U.S. Postal Inspectors since at least 1900, although their use was rare, given Inspectors’ desire for anonymity. Traditionally the authority and proof of identity for Postal Inspectors has resided in their pocket-size commission, or “credentials,” usually kept in their coat or hip pocket and shown only as needed. Until 1970, some Postal Inspectors obtained their badges locally, and the designs varied. By 1922, badges were issued to all Postal Inspectors. On August 30, 1922, the Chief Inspector sent a letter to all Inspectors explaining their proper use: “.