Miscellaneous Police Memorabilia

This section includes miscellaneous and promotional items relating to Avon & Somerset Constabulary. Whilst it may be sensible to specialise in a particular collecting field, there are plenty of opportunities to acquire interesting related memorabilia. Much of which can be purchased relatively cheaply since the highest value items tend to be either insignia or headgear. For example, items such as Police branded cups and saucers are quite rare but don't hold much value.

Police station interior wall mounted sign

This sign was mounted on a wall inside a Bristol Police station. It's  mounted on polystyrene and measures 50cm high and 42cm wide. Similar reflective insignia was a familiar sight on vehicles throughout the 1980's and 1990's. 

Door insignia on a Mercedes 'crew bus' c.1992

Pewter tankard with helmet plate for decoration - possibly a retirement gift

Commemorative porcelain mug - Queen's Silver Jubilee in 1977

Avon & Somerset Constabulary tea cup and saucer

Saucer

Saucer with makers mark

Tea cup with makers mark

1970's era Avon & Somerset Police helmet plate wall shield

1970's era hand painted Avon & Somerset Constabulary wall shield

1980's issue pocket notebook cover

Promotional plastic key-ring whistle

Horse brasses like those shown here are typical from Police Forces who maintain a mounted section. I've created a seperate post dedicated to these. 

All the examples shown here are cast from solid brass and the same size as a helmet plate. They would traditionally be mounted on leather as shown in the first photograph before being attached to the horse for ceremonial occasions. The first one dates from between 1974 and 1984. The mounting shown in this first photograph is very lightweight imitation leather and possibly only intended for indoor display. Horse brasses are sometimes painted as seen here in the second example.

The painted version is also somewhat different because it uses the centre Wyvern design adopted by the former Somerset Constabulary on all their badges. Avon & Somerset Constabulary adopted a Wyvern shield design from the late 1980's and is still used today.

These next two date from the 1970's and 1980's. The mountings are heavy duty leather which suggests they were used on a horse rather than just for indoor display. The ER version has a makers label of "United Brassfounders" of Birmingham. 

Commemorative paper weight made from Bristol blue glass

Engraved "Bristol" on reverse

  

Avon & Somerset Constabulary male voice choir music CDs.

  

Avon & Somerset Constabulary silver sugar/teaspoon

Envelope commemorating 150 years of Policing in Bristol

 

Documentation

Crime prevention

Crime prevention poster 1977

1990's car crime prevention logo - "Car Crime - Together We'll Crack It."

Some may recognise these next items from various crime prevention campaigns during the 1990's. House burglaries and car crime were particularly prevalent.

Laminated pocket card - Domestic Security

1990's issue face shield for CPR

Christmas card

Christmas card signed by Steve Pilkington Chief Constable 1998-2005

Laminated pocket card - Data Protection

Retirement certificate 1982

Avon & Somerset Constabulary Club rule book

Photographs

Some collectors specialise in collecting photographs of Police officers or vehicles. The most sought after are known as CDV (Carte de viste) and Cabinet Card photographs. Such photos first appeared around 1860 and the later versions were produced in a size suitable for display in cabinets (110 mm/4.5 inch by 170 mm/6.5 inch). The photograph was mounted on a thick piece of card. These were studio produced and would typically depict a Police constable wearing full uniform including helmet or with the helmet displayed on a table. They provide a snapshot of the uniform and perhaps badges being worn in the early days of policing. This type of photograph can sell for between £15-£30 depending on the age.

If buying online, be sure to determine whether the photograph is an original or copy. This may not always be clear from the description. If buying a print, be aware that it may be copyrighted so you cannot reproduce it anywhere.