A combination memory object, artifact of business history, advertising and photograph, vintage ID photo badges have become of interest to vernacular collectors. The photos in the badges complete with assigned numbers and rulers to identify the person's height have an aesthetic similar to passport, driver’s license and police mug shot photos. The enterprise of security including staff identification devices has changed dramatically since the 1950s when the badge above was made. Vintage pin back employee photo badges look to us now like novelty time capsules. Visit Curiosities Gallery for more vintage photo badges

This text first appeared in the Late Fall/Holiday 2009 issue of SnapShot, the project b Newsletter by Barbara Levine