Sheriff Badge [Series I]

This is now the fourth sheriff-style badge in the Caviar Vindaloo catalogue - which, to me, definitively proves the simple and inarguable fact that Lister really seems to like sheriff badges.

All four items tracked-down so far feature six points in exactly the same arrangement. Coincidence? Dunno, really. Though, I wouldn't be surprised if it was simply a result of later series' costume departments doing their best to preserve continuity.

This particular example features in just one series, on Lister's Series I(-II) black bomber jacket, which rightly bears its own fluxing breast pocket of sparkly medallions.

Contextually-speaking, aside from everyone in the late eighties sporting their own pin button-clad (often denim) jacket, the underlying message, if any, behind these recurrent additions to Craig's costumes remains playfully enigmatic. I would like to think that it inherently conveys a sense of Lister being a law unto himself, in that, I, uh, I think, he's, uh... he's rebelling.

Being the lowest ranking crewmember on board ship, from the off, he butts heads with Rimmer (barely, but certainly, an authority figure). Lister also confronts his serving vessel's supreme big boss, Hollister, in his own subtle way; by visually equivocating Captain Paxo's five rows of bestowed service ribbons with scavenged, dollarpound shop miscellany. The Skipper's epaulettes also feature a star on both sides, albeit five-pointed.

This is what leads me to think that Lister's lone star bits'n bobs were intentionally chosen to emphasise the character's street-smart, survivalist underpinning. Arguably, it is Lister's rage against the machine that results in him becoming the last surviving human, 3,000,000 years and counting, after all.

The wider implications regarding this 'Cosmic Lawman' theory is that it suggests an inherent message that binds together the very premise of Red Dwarf itself - don't rely on authority, embrace your inner Smeg Head, and be prepared to pick yourself up after every fall, as one day you may just find yourself all alone (more or less).

The badge, Made In England, measures approximately 55mm across, and on purchase, was said to possibly be part of a set from the 1950s, so by the time Lister gets his hands on it, that would make the piece a full-blown antique, at over two centuries old. Unless, of course, it's a 22nd Century Dollarpoundland reproduction. Despite a lack of conclusive provenance so far, this date certainly ties into the eroding chrome found in this example.

For those on the cosplay trail, a more contemporary-looking, powder-silver version, referred to as "Item No .: BA337 - Sheriff Badge - Metal", was at some point made available by Bristol Novelty Ltd. manufactured by Silver Lining Ltd, Hong Kong. A shiner chromed type is currently available from Zac's Alter Ego®.

Special mention - this ID wouldn't have been possible without scouring through the wonderful and fascinating Red Dwarf Zone archive. Cheers!

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