In July 2023 I was fortunate enough to visit the new Avon & Somerset Constabulary Police museum at their HQ in Portishead, Bristol, England.
The Police HQ is a secure area so the museum is not open to the general public. However, It can be visited by appointment only for educational visits by organisations, associations, schools or indviduals with a legitimate interest like myself.
This has been made possible due to the commendable efforts of the 'curator', Alan Vowles. Alan can provide some excellent insights into the many unique artifcats on display.
I was pleased to be able to donate a number of items from my personal collection to the museum. At some point I'll probably add a footnote in this blog to the items from my collection which were donated.
The museum contained some items which I have never seen before, including a rather distinctive Bristol Constabulary helmet.
Here's a selection of photographs I took during my visit.
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| Avon & Somerset Constabulary Police Museum |
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| Early WPC 'pith style' hat |
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| An original and scarce Victorian era Police unform |
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| WW2 display with German incendiary bomb |
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| Standard issue WW2 British Police steel helmet with Inspector rank stripes |
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| WPC uniform circa 1960s/early 1970's. |
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| Very scarce and unusual Bristol Constabulary helmet |
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| A fine ceremonial unform |
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| Somerset Constabulary Edwardian era helmet - one of my donations which went straight into the display cabinet! |
. There were also some hidden treasures in the store
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| Rarely seen Police 'dinner jacket' |
A few hats in the stores were missing their original bap badges, but these are still of interest and somewhat rare examples.
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| Inspector/Superintendent 'pill box' hat |
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| Chief/Assistant Constable peaked cap with fine oakleaf braiding |
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| Chief/Assistant Constable peaked cap with fine oakleaf braiding |
This nice display of Police crockery was situated next door to the museum adjacent to the staff canteen which is a very appropriate place.
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| Police crockery display |
