1930s Police Officer

[FinalVestige79]

As some of you know I am involved in the Granada Theater in Ontario, California with Teabag1927. Since we have MPs there at most events, I thought I might mix it up and don a 30s police impression. Some civilian cop has gotta keep the MP from going to hard on the hapless drunk Marine right? Someones gotta keep the local hoods in their place! I just thought I'd ask if anyone knew where one might be had. I know the chances of finding one are slim to nothing, besides going to a prop house and buying one. Its actually really cool how we get a mix of GIs, Marine, and Navy Reenactors that mingle with the public and then you have the public who dress up also! Anyway, I just think it would be something that would add more to the atmosphere of the Granada. Thoughts? suggestions?

 

[MPicciotto]

While developing my 1940's Baltimore Civilian Defense Auxiliary Police impression I found that modern police supply catalogs such as Quartermaster Supply had a lot of what I needed. Find photographs and/or descriptions of the uniform worn. Then instead of searching for a whole uniform break it down into components. The Baltimore Auxiliary PD then (and still today) wore an 8-pt cap like the type worn by NYPD. Although made of polyester and not wool I was able to buy one of these type caps new and affix a period device and buttons to it. The pants are pretty easy to source through one of these catalogs. Shirts are trickier because button flap styles have changed. I found that a "Security Guard" shirt worked. The belt, whistle, whistle chain and sundry other accoutrements are also available through police supply companies. I bought a large box of Baltimore Auxiliary PD buttons on eBay to change over the hat buttons and to convert an "Old Navy" brand pea coat into a police reefer coat.


Can you post any pics of the uniform you are trying to recreate?

Matt

 

[FinalVestige79]

Thank you very much for the advice, I am trying to find some pictures right now actually. I want to represent a police officer in the Ontario Police Department circa the mid 30s. I'll get some pics asap.

Thanks again!

Dylan

 

[Story]

Drop the museum a line, they might have some digitized photos.
www.opp.ca/Community/Museum/opp_001071.html

Sergeant Thomas Kirk
York County Police
April 17, 1930

Looks like a standard period military saucer cap and tunic (color unknown - blue? Khaki/surplus?) and a Sam Browne belt with holster.

 

[Guttersnipe]

Drop the museum a line, they might have some digitized photos.
www.opp.ca/Community/Museum/opp_001071.html

Sergeant Thomas Kirk
York County Police
April 17, 1930

Looks like a standard period military saucer cap and tunic (color unknown - blue? Khaki/surplus?) and a Sam Browne belt with holster.

I think those are links for the wrong Ontario - Granada Guy is talking about Ontario, California

 

[FinalVestige79]

yeah Ontario Cali, I'll be going up there this Saturday I'll stop by the library directly across from the Granada and ill get some copies of some pics. I'm in no hurry.

By the way this week at the Granada we are showing The Lemon Drop Kid on Friday evening starting at 7 and Lon Chaney in The Phantom of The Opera on Saturday evening.

 

[Story]

I think those are links for the wrong Ontario - Granada Guy is talking about Ontario, California

DOH!

Ok, so how about Anaheim's police chief and a motorcycle cop? Note the similarities to the Canadian police sergeant : saucer cap, military tunic and Sam Browne belt.

and check out this thread too.
http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=40730

 

[FinalVestige79]

That would actually work very very nicely. Since I do live in Anaheim!

 

[Story]

Bootlegging in San Bernadino County
http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13893853

 

[Mr. 'H']

Some pictures:

[esp. LAPD]

I have been looking in vain for some time now for the above. I'm not talking about semi-documentaries like Dragnet that were for public consumption. I am talking about films that were made to instruct new recruits and detectives.

In L.A. Confidential, such a film is referenced to publicize Chief Parker's new, professional (and apolitical) Police Force. The clip shows several motorcycles coming out of the station house up a ramp (this may well have been a clip from a movie rather than from a real police film).

I have turned up some Coronet instructional films on drugs and "your local police" etc but this is not what I am looking for.

I have been looking for ages, can anyone help?

 

[Shangas]

The old-fashioned, pipe-style 'Metropolitan' police-whistles can be bought at various places online, same with the old-style Darby handcuffs. Would truncheons (nightsticks, etc), have been made of wood back in the '30s?

 

[Ghostsoldier]

Drop FL member Les Gillis a PM here....he's built/made several 30's era police impressions for his theatrical group Public Enemies of 1934...he can probably give you some insight....
Rob

 

[Lone_Ranger]

Try contacting Taylor's Leatherwear, in OK. The still make leather police jackets, and their print catalog used to be full of 1930-1940 police pictures. Not sure if their current catalog has the old B&W photos, or if they could send you in the right direction.

http://www.taylorsleatherwear.com/care-of-leather-jackets.htm