At Irvin H. Hahn, we are proud to be an American manufacturer of custom badges for police, fire departments, and other official organizations across the US. Since 1898, we have been trusted for our craftsmanship, attention to detail, and high-quality finishes that create a long-lasting badge you can wear with pride.
We have continued to grow our reputation for over 125 years because of our process: precision design, experienced soldering, long-lasting finishing, and final assembly. Our personal hands-on involvement is what sets us apart from the rest.
See what really goes on behind the scenes to make a custom badge for your police or fire department. With dedication and care like this, you’ll understand why so many organizations choose Irvin H. Hahn. Based in Baltimore, MD, shipping across the country. Â
About Irvin H. Hahn
Since 1898, we’ve proudly handcrafted custom badges for police departments, fire departments, federal agencies, military organizations, and emergency responders across the United States. While technology has helped us streamline some parts production, many of the techniques that make our badges exceptional remain rooted in time-tested American craftsmanship. From soldering and finishing to final assembly and inspection, we create a badge that is a symbol of your dedication.
The Behind-the-Scenes Process of Designing a Custom Badge
Custom Design and Mock-Up
Before the crafting of the physical badge can begin, every custom badge design at Irvin H. Hahn starts with a consult and a mock-up. Whether it’s a fully custom design or a pre-existing modification, you will get a preview of your badge before it is ordered.
Our customer service team helps make sure you have the correct badge shape, lettering, center seal, rank designation, finish, and attachment options that fit your needs. Every detail is reviewed and approved before manufacturing begins, helping ensure the finished badge meets both aesthetic and functional expectations.Â
Professional Soldering
One of the most defining characteristics of an Irvin H. Hahn badge is the durability of its construction. While some badge manufacturers rely on adhesive, we use professional soldering techniques that permanently join individual badge components together.
The use of soldering creates a secure bond between badge panels, eagles, wreaths, banners, and other applied elements. The process allows each component to become part of a single, durable piece, capable of withstanding years of daily wear.
For law enforcement officers, firefighters, and first responders who wear their badges every day, you can have peace of mind in your badge’s long-lasting capabilities. Our soldering process helps ensure badges remain secure and maintain their integrity throughout years of service.
Hand-Finished for Polished Appearance
Every custom badge from Irvin H. Hahn undergoes multiple finishing steps designed to produce a spotless professional appearance. Our craftsmen carefully polish every badge to showcase crisp edges, clean surfaces, and consistent detail.
As part of your custom design, you can select a premium finish. Each finish offers its own unique appearance while maintaining the professional look required for public safety uniforms. Protective coatings are applied where appropriate to help preserve the badge’s appearance over time.
Enamel Coating for Long-Lasting Durability
In addition to a polished, premium finish, we offer enamel coloring for long-lasting durability, such as department seals or decorative features. Irvin H. Hahn uses hard-fired cloisonné enamel for many of our products.
To apply an enamel coloring, we must fire the colored glass at 1,500 degrees. This process produces the vibrant colors that resist fading and last for years. You get a durable finish that continues to look sharp and striking throughout years of wear, tear, weather, hard work, and more. No matter what you’re up against, an Irvin H. Hahn badge maintains its brilliant appearance.
Quality Inspection and Approval
No badge is shipped without a final inspection and approval. As part of our quality control, we check to make sure your badge fits your description, all components are appropriately fastened, the finish is consistent, the lettering is accurate, and the proper fastener is included.
Only after passing inspection is a badge packaged and prepared for shipment. Our goal is simple: every customer should receive a badge worthy of the person wearing it.
Experience the Irvin H. Hahn Difference
A badge represents far more than rank or identification. It symbolizes dedication, sacrifice, professionalism, and public trust. That’s why we continue to manufacture our badges using proven methods that emphasize quality over shortcuts. As a sixth-generation, family-owned American manufacturer, we’re proud to continue traditions that have served public safety agencies for well over a century.
With Irvin H. Hahn, every badge is built with the understanding that it represents someone’s career, department, and commitment to their community. From precision soldering and expert finishing to detailed assembly and rigorous inspection, our craftsmen take pride in producing badges that stand the test of time.
If your department is planning a new custom badge, commemorative anniversary badge, or complete uniform hardware program, our experienced team is ready to help bring your vision to life. Contact Irvin H. Hahn today to learn more about our handcrafted, American-made badges and discover the craftsmanship behind every piece we create.
Irvin H. Hahn
We are a family-owned business that takes pride in being an American manufacturer for over 120 years since 1898. Located in Baltimore, MD, we have six generations of experience making handcrafted badges, buckles, cap devices, collar insignia, and other insignia for law enforcement, fire departments, and other officials.
