Dave Wilkinson

Photo now uploaded.

Dave.

Im not sure but I don't think he is a Policeman. He is not wearing a whistle chain from his button to his pocket and he has no Divisional numbers on his shoulder. The corporal stripes which could be for Acting Police Sergeant look far to big. A wild guess but I think he is a Royal Marine?

Craig

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.

Nothing is safe any more ! This illustration of a British Police truncheon - circa 1880 pattern in teak - was sent to me this week by a firm in Pakistan. You will see their name is across it. I don't know what they are asking - probably not very much

- however, if I reply they will never leave me alone. Value for an original would be between 35 and 40 pounds ($60)

That old expression 'Caveat Emptor' really does apply these days.

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.

Brian - I think you have found a very nice example for the British Colonial Police - and it would appear to have a fairly early badge. There is not a great deal of range within the Colonial Police - their everday uniforms are all very much the same and similarly, the full dress follow a pattern.

I think with this post it would be an excellent opportunity for us to explore our Colonial uniform heritage - our new member , Dave, (welcome to GMIC) seems to have good knowledge and could perhaps enlarge on the theme ? Dave - do you have a connection with Police - or, is it just an interest ?

Brian, I know we have to agree together on 'pinning' - however, I will do so with this post as it has great potential. Mervyn

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.

Very nice Brian are you going for the full uniform?

Thanks for the info Dave do you know if Gibralta Police wear these?

Craig

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.

Hello folks,

I've been a member of GMIC for a while, but posted rarely as I never really felt I had any knowledge to share so bear with me if I ask lots of questions!

By the way although the name above is the Gentleman's Military Interest Club......I am a female member, not a very PC one either

I wonder if any members have in their collection a Silver Token, such as those given to the Metropolitan Police Commissioner and whether you have any photos of the said item?

I've collected a variety of items related to the Police in my time, but one thing I've never seen is a silver token!

Thanks folks....

SP

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