The Silent Rider badge & ribbon

Sheriff's badges have a long history that goes back to medieval times, when knights would wear their coat of arms as a symbol of authority. ... Sheriff badges are typically meant to be worn by those that are of the highest moral caliber and are essentially incorruptible.

While badges were not worn by vigilantes of the old west, in fact discretion was of the utmost priority. Remaining silent and vigilant to the towns activity was paramount.

Many folks get this confused with the red sashes worn by the "Cowboys" in the movie Tombstone, which meant trouble, however, the Silent Riders ribbon means just the opposite! 

It Is rumored that the original "RED RIBBON" was actually a RED notice that the Virginia City Vigilantes left on any reprobates door giving them 24 hours (or less) to leave town or face the consequences for not doing so, usually  by a hanging or gunshot death somewhere far from town, where no one could see...or hear.