UNUSUAL OLD POLICE PHOTO

[Mervyn Mitton]

This delightful old photograph - dating from about 1900 - or, even a little older - shows that there is 'life after death' for old British police uniforms. These are two member of the original Durban City Police - who existed from approx. the 1840's up until the changes of 1994. There are a number of these old photos in the Durban History Museum.

Basically, in those days a European constable patrolled with one or, two Zulu policemen to assist . They were only allowed to deal with Zulus and were not allowed to arrest the Europeans. You will note that they are not carrying truncheons - but rather their 'traditional weapon' - an Iwisa or, knobkerrie. A very dangerous weapon and they train from 3 or 4 years old in stick fighting.

The one on the left appears to be wearing an old Inspector's hat, whilst the other one has a plateless helmet. Jerseys seem to be the uniform. Note

the old handcuffs - standard British pattern. The whistles are also British and it is interesting that they are tucked into the armband. This was a leather strap with an oval brass plate saying they were Borough Police. They always went bare footed.

Makes a change from our usual uniforms ?

p.s. - with the enlargement you can see the outline on both helmet and cap for the original badges.

Edited February 28, 2011 by Mervyn Mitton

[Adrob]

Mervyn,

Thanks for posting this most interesting photo. Please post some more if you have any.

Many thanks

Joe

This delightful old photograph - dating from about 1900 - or, even a little older - shows that there is 'life after death' for old British police uniforms. These are two member of the original Durban City Police - who existed from approx. the 1840's up until the changes of 1994. There are a number of these old photos in the Durban History Museum.

Basically, in those days a European constable patrolled with one or, two Zulu policemen to assist . They were only allowed to deal with Zulus and were not allowed to arrest the Europeans. You will note that they are not carrying truncheons - but rather their 'traditional weapon' - an Iwisa or, knobkerrie. A very dangerous weapon and they train from 3 or 4 years old in stick fighting.

The one on the left appears to be wearing an old Inspector's hat, whilst the other one has a plateless helmet. Jerseys seem to be the uniform. Note

the old handcuffs - standard British pattern. The whistles are also British and it is interesting that they are tucked into the armband. This was a leather strap with an oval brass plate saying they were Borough Police. They always went bare footed.

Makes a change from our usual uniforms ?

p.s. - with the enlargement you can see the outline on both helmet and cap for the original badges.