This is an authentic badge worn by Charles Manson prior to when California went to the plastic badges. Plastic inmate badges were first seen in the early teen's of the 2000's. This was pre-plastic and shows the deckled edges in detail.
 
The numerous photos provide various angles. Under a black light, the photo can be seen as original. The paper is what you are looking for here as the postage stamp/deckled edge is much harder to forge.
 
The size is the other factor as well as thickness. With over 400 inmate badges in our collection to compare these to, including over 45 from California alone, this is without a doubt, 100% authentic. The exact badge can be seen in numerous articles as the "holy grail" of inmate badges or collectibles.
 
Manson is well known for the Tate-LaBianca murders in Los Angeles, CA in August 1969. While Manson did not kill anyone on either night, he was the "mastermind" behind the plot - or so the true crime story goes.
 
This would be akin to owning a Mickey Mantle rookie card if you collected baseball cards. Charles Manson, outside of Ted Bundy, is the single most searched name in true crime. The mere mention of the name "Manson" begets the aforementioned crimes.
 
While we have (3) three total badges, this may be the only one up for sale for a bit.