Buckles as Collectables

[Mervyn Mitton]

I thought I should insert a collectable which is more in the moderate price range. Police have always worn a thick leather belt - one and a half inches deep - this was usually secured with a 'male & female' buckle. The alternative, was the 'S' shaped clasp, but that didn't show the Force. If the Chief Constable was willing to pay an extra two shillings (20P) he could have the Force name - this applied to truncheons (when they were heraldically painted), rattles,whistles. Extra wording on the old truncheons cost 1/6d (15p)

This is a good example for Sheffield Police and dates to around 1910. Pricewise, about ?30.

Mervyn

[Mervyn Mitton]

This is a much rarer example - having a superb Victorian Crown. Dates to 1880's and was for the North Riding Contabulary.

Higher value - about ?100.

Mervyn

[Peter Mc]

A sword belt buckle of the Royal Irish Constabulary, as worn by officers of the rank of District Inspector or above.

 

Edited September 15, 2017 by Peter Mc
Photobucket fixes

[Mervyn Mitton]

Peter - a surprise to see such a good buckle added after a long period. The Force was broken-up in 1922 with the Dissolution of Ireland, but your lovely Victorian example is a very sought after item. The officers carried a standard steel and black leather sword - which are also rare. I used to have two, but regret selling them now. Are you a police collector ?

[sabrigade]

TRANSVAAL PRISONS DEPARTMENT BELT BUCKLE

Part of my collection to the early South African Police and Prisons Services.

Edited June 23, 2009 by sabrigade

[Mervyn Mitton]

I've never seen this buckle, Will. Looks as if they may have used the cap badge. This is contemporary with Cape Prisons and Orange River Colony - I wonder if they had similar buckles ?

[sabrigade]

Hi Mervyn

It is the same as the cap badge but the badge on the buckle was manufactured in gilt.

Detail on the uniforms etc of these services are very scarce and I have a number of badges and items in my collection but have not seen a reference to any buckles etc for the other forces.

Regards,

Will

[Peter Mc]

Thanks Mervyn. Yes I am specifically an 'old Irish police' collector. If you google "Royal Irish Constabulary Sword" or "Irish Revenue Police Sword" you'll see more photos of RIC swords. Here are some better pics of the buckle showing more detail:

[sabrigade]

South African Police belt and buckle.

The "Z" denotes the period of wear as between 1913 and 1926.

[Mervyn Mitton]

Not to teach ' my mother how to suck eggs' !! The spelling of Politie also shows the 1913-26 period - I was told it is High Dutch ? A nice old item.

Peter - why don't you post some of the swords under that section - I'm sure members would be interested and it doesn't get a lot posted.