Dave Wilkinson

Steve, He is a Metpol. officer. The "O" letter was used in respect of men who were recalled from retirement for duty during during times of emergency General Strike etc.I have an actual helomet badge showing an "O" letter. Dave.

Brian, These type of badges (for want of a better word) have been produced depicting various emblems of current police forces in the UK. In some cases they have a "loop" at the top and are affixed to a leather backing and oft described as "horce brasses". They are novalty items and are money making ventures by individuals who often have no connection with the force themselves. I'm glad to hear that the cash outlay was small! Best wishes, Dave.

Mervyn, Silver Tokens. The Metpol. official website says that they were introduced in 1919. This is confirmed in the book "The Official Encyclopedia of Scotland Yard" (Fido & Skinner) who go on to say that they were issued to Commissioners, Assistant Commissioners and Deputy Assistant Commissioners. The text suggests (but does not definately say) that they are still issued. However, I know from information given to me personally by a DAC who was serving in that rank post 1993, that this is not the case. He did attempt on my behalf to discover when they ceased to be issued, without success. No one appears to know and Police Orders are silent. Deputy Assistant Commissioner rank. Again, the Metpol. website quotes 1919 as being the date the rank was introduced. The above quoted book suggests continual use to-date. However, the "Police & Constabulary Almanac" for 1956 makes no mention of the rank under the Metpol. entry for that year. So, your suggestion that the rank has had intermitent use seems correct. Best wishes, Dave.

Photo now uploaded. Dave.

I agree totally. He is not a Police Officer. The collar badges are not Royal Marine's so another regiment but don't know which. I suggest re-posting on the UK Military section of the site. Dave.

Several years ago, following the introduction of the metal ASP baton, I had the dubious honour of burning approx. 200 standard wooden police truncheons. Half of which were unused and still wrapped in tissue as received into store from Hiatt's. Some of those that had been issued were very heavy and very old. A great shame but there was little else that could be done with them and I suspect that most (if not all) of the UK police forces did the same thing. Dave.

Hello Mervyn, Thank you for your words of welcome. I discovered this site by accident several days ago and was impressed by the bredth of subjects discussed. I have collected UK police insignia (plus some Colonial) since the 1960's and am a founder member of PICA(GB). I retired from the police in 2006 after 35 yrs. I look forward to being able to contribute usefully as and when appropriate and to discover more about this all absorbing interest which so many like minded individuals seem to share. Best wishes, Dave.

Craig, No, Gibraltar Police have never utilised a white helmet. They have since their formation always worn the traditional British (dark blue) police helmet. Since the early 1900's this has been identical in design to that worn by the London Metpol. and that is still the case today. Dave.

Further to my last posting........... the helmets did not vary in style as such. The everyday patrol helmet was as that shown in the posted photos. However, for ceremonial occasions the cloth covered "button" top was screwed off and replaced by either a white metal (pre. 1935 approx.) or chrome plated (post. 1935 approx.) spike. The chinstraps were also swapped over, the leather one (for everyday use) replaced by a leather backed chin chain. The chrome plated helmet plate actually dates from post. 1935 when chroming became the norm. As said previously, the helmets are still worn by a number of forces in the Carribean. I've just remembered, Malta Police also wear them, again on ceremonial occasions. Dave.

Brian, I'm unsure as to why you believe that the production of these helmets stopped in 1942. They are a comparatively common item of headwear even today. HM Royal Marines here in the UK wear them as part of their ceremonial uniform and all the UK dependant territory police forces (apart from Bermuda) still wear them. The Jamaica Constablulary wore them into the 1960's and the KC plates also continued to be used, again well into the 1960's. Best wishes, Dave.

I am attaching herewith a photograph of a Metropolitan Police Silver Identification token which I have in my collection. As you can see it was issued to "F.W. Abbott, Deputy Assistant Commissioner". The reverse is blank apart from a Birmingham silver hallmark for 1934. It is a fairly uninspiring item. It is 1 1/4 inch tall x 1 inch wide. The small suspender ring was used to attach to a chain, probably a watch chain. Mr. Abbott was appointed a Chief Constable in the Metropolitan Police on 6th June 1930 and Deputy Assistant Commissioner in January 1935. He did not hold that position for long and retired on pension in 1936. The "Silver Identification Tokens" are mentioned for the first time in Metropolitan Police Order dated 11th November 1919, when it said that they shall be issued to all senior officers. The ranks involved are not mentioned. However, research suggests that they were issued to Deputy Assistant Commissioners up to Commissioner. They were also issued to the "Receiver for the Metropolitan Police District" (an individual who headed the Met. Police civil staff). I have not been able to discover when the practice of issuing these tokens ceased. The Metropolitan Police have only one example in their archives and that relates to a Deputy Assistant Commissioner. I hope this information is of use. Dave. My apologies, I've not been able to upload to photo (your system indicates that it is too big). If "SP" contacts me I will allow her sight of the token. My email address is:- dave.wilkinson73@btinternet.com