GLASCOW POLICE MUSEUM

Due to Covid related Trip Cancellations it took three years for this writer to finally get to visit this great little museum in Glasgow.

Seeing a performance of the Edenburgh Military Tattoo was the primary reason for my visit to Scotland in September of 2022. I can't describe the incredible feeling that immersed me when the "United States Army Field Band" marched by my front row seats. The entire stadium at Edinburgh Castle stood and cheered as they marched by.

While the Tattoo was the primary reason for my visit, there was also a "Plan B". It was across the Country in the City of Glasgow. Thirty Bell Street to be exact. The Museum was  up on the second floor, and there was no admission charge. I sure was  happy about that expense.

Inside the facility I was greeted by Alastair Dinsmore and  Eddie Haggarty,  retired members of the Glasgow Police Force, and members of the Glasgow Police Heritage Society. They work as volunteers and are most happy to show visitors their history through a fabulous collection. They even wanted to take me into custody as the picture below suggests.

(left to right  Al Dinsmore, Dennis Beyer, and Eddie Haggarty)

Glasgow has the distinction of being the United Kingdom's oldest police department. It took twenty years of trying before the Glasgow Police Act became Law on 30 June 1800.  

One of the first exhibits in the museum relates to Patrick Colquhoun, often referred to as "The Father of Glasgow". He had a deep interest in early law enforcement and wrote:  "A Treatise on the Police of the metropolis." His influence in police work also led to the establishment of the Metropolitan Police in London in 1829. Colquhoun is pictured below.

(An early proponent for Law Enforcement Patrick Colquhoun was viewed as the Father of Glasgow and highly regarded in the United Kingdom for his work in the development of  unified police forces).

Moving away from  the Colquhoun Exhibit my eye was drawn to a firearm in a glass cabinet. I thought these guys didn't carry weapons, at least pistols. My guide, Eddie Haggarty, explained that the 'powers to be' have traditionally shied away from arming officers as a rule. This practice was not all encompassing as pistols were stored in a Police Armory. They were issued for use in apprehending offenders "known, or likely, to be armed". The practice of being unarmed has had a need for re-examination and modification over the years. The gun pictured below is an original weapon stored by Glasgow Police in the Armory in the 1860's. It is a single shot muzzle loading pistol with the original inventory number engraved on trigger housing.

(A single shot pistol from Glasgow Police Armory dating back to 1860's. Original inventory number engraved on trigger housing.)  

(The rifle above is from 1969 and played an early role in the pursuit of  James Griffiths who became the fist offender killed by the Glasgow Police. It was a .22 caliber Martini Rifle belonging to the Police Rifle Club who responded to officers needing assistance.)

It took almost one hundred years, since that percussion pistol that was stored in the armory, until the first criminal fatality in 1969. This incident has been chronicled as "The Griffiths Incident"  named after James Griffiths. Griffiths' was wanted for Home Invasion, Assault and Robbery of an elderly couple on July 5, 1969. Police, following leads initially closed in on the subject ten days later, in a flat located at 14 Holyrood Crescent. Five of Glasgow's finest approached the building in an attempt to arrest Griffiths. They were unarmed, however Griffiths was carrying a firearm. He shot and wounded Detective Constable William Walker, who was removed from the scene, while remaining officers then waited for help. 

Armed Detectives responded to the Holyrood scene, and they were also "backed up" by members of the Glasgow Police Rifle Club. Superintendent Alastair Petrie carried the .22 caliber  Martini rifle pictured above. While police now had superiority  with firearm's they were unable to capture the criminal.  Griffiths managed to escape the immediate area.  Leaving a bloody trail the fugitive made his last stand inside a flat located on Kay Street. At this location Chief Superintendent Malcom Finlayson and Detective Sergeant Ian Smith made their way to the room where Griffiths was. Superintendent Finlayson slowly opened the door, keeping an eye on the hallway on the other side, by looking through a letterbox  opener. When Griffiths became visible, Superintendent Finlayson fired a .38 caliber shot through the letterbox opener fatally wounding the fugitive.

A pathology report revealed that Griffith was hit once in the shoulder. The bullet however ricocheted off bone and then sliced the aorta. The Pathologist was quoted saying, that the path of the bullet "was a chance in a thousand."  Medals awarded to Finlayson and Smith are in the same picture above as the .22 caliber Martini Rifle.

Today, as in all of the U.K. police officers as a general practice remain unarmed.

The next item that caught my eye was a "Victoria Cross." This original  medal was issued not for police endeavors, but for Service during World War One to then Sergeant Jock McAulay. He had taken command of his company after all of the officers were wounded. He made sure to get the men to safety, killing several Germans in a hot battle in Europe during a battle in 1916. It took two years but in 1918 the King presented McAulay with the medal pictured below.

(The above medal is a "Victoria Cross." This one was presented to Sergeant Jock McAulay for his acts of heroism in WW I.)

During World War I there were 748 police officers enlisted to serve in the military. Of that number 145 were killed or reported missing, presumed dead. Following the War McAulay returned to his duties with the Glasgow Police. He retired with the rank of Inspector in 1946.

Glasgow issued its' own "Bravery" awards starting in 1871. Constable John Kerr was the first recipient of the Police Bravery Medal. It was minted to recognize Kerr's actions during an early morning fire in a four story tenement building. Kerr detected the fire and ran up four levels getting all 68 inhabitants out of the building. During his exit the building collapsed throwing him from the third floor to the first. Fortunately there was no injury. A photo of the John Ker exhibit appears below.

(This medal was first minted to recognize the bravery of Constable John Kerr who is credited with saving 68 lives during a tenement fire in 1871.)

In different sections of the museum one could observe some artifacts that relate to "Communications." The First, picture below, is of "The Clapper and Rattle."  They were devices that made "clicks" or "clack."  These sounds had a distinct meaning to early officers. I am pleased to have two such Clackers in my personal collection.  The Second photo, below, is an early Police Radio from the early 1900's. The picture is of a face plate with the dials for a automobile Police Radio. These radios could only receive messages from HQ. After the message was heard it was up to the officer to respond via a telephone or Morse Code.  The Third picture below is of a police whistle. It was made in Glasgow and used as a bridge to modern day radio.

(1800 Police Clapper and Rattle or Clacker used in Glasgow up to 1880)

(1936 "One-Way Radio."  Officers could only hear  messages from a Central Location.)

(This whistle was manufactured in Glasgow for use by the local Police Force. It served as a bridge between Rattles and Radios.)

In every little nick and cranny of this fine museum one could view pieces of history and the fabric of being a member of the Glasgow Police Force. There is not enough time to show every exhibit, but in the few pictures that follow allow me to record that the curators of this museum have more than adequately presented:   Lanterns, Billy Clubs, Badges, Handcuff's and most important, Their History. 

(An early Police Lantern used in the mid 1800's)

(A fine wooden Baton that was issued to Women Police Officers)

(Glasgow Police Badges)

A display of hand restraints which includes locking hand cuffs,  Figure Eight Hand restraint, and  Leather Thong wrist controller)

Near the end of the Museum Collection I was drawn to the attention of a Canadian Mountie Uniform. It is pictured below and hard to miss in crimson red, along with the signature large "Mountie Hat." On the wall, in the rear,  are patches from The Cook Islands, LAPD, Massachusetts State Police and Louisiana State police.

 (An exhibit of a Canadian Mountie Uniform in crimson red, with trademark hat lights up a wall of World Police contributions to the Glasgow Police Museum)

I noted that Police Departments from all over the world had made a donation to the Glasgow Museum. It was an easy search for me to find a uniform from the United States. It was also easy to understand why my emotions were in high gear as a spotted a uniform from the "NY & NJ Port Authority Police."

The Port Authority display includes a paper note summary of one horrific day. That was when we lost the Twin Towers in New York City. The events of that Day are crystal clear in my mind, even though 21 years have gone by. I can still see the second plane flying into the second tower. There was smoke and fire pouring out of both buildings. People jumping to their deaths, rather then be burned alive. Then the Towers  collapsed, and  became a memory I shall not forget.

The PA Cops responded that day. They did their job. At the End of the Day 37 Officers Lost Their Lives.

The Badge, below,  carries a simple memorial message. It is Numbered 9-11-01. It was heart warming to see this message all the way across the pond in Glasgow. 

( A Port Authority Police uniform donated to  Glasgow Police Museum. It carries a badge bearing number 9-11-01)

***

TWENTY-TWO YEARS AGO, SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 - SOME MEMORIES FROM JERSEY CITY LOOKING TOWARDS NYC

   

September 11. Today is a day to Remember. I sure do. I had moved to Florida, and was still in bed, when a neighbor called. He said "Turn on the TV, They finally did it. I watched in a state of shock as the World Trade Center collapsed before my eyes. I continued to watch in horror for days.

Following the loss of the twin towers my daughter sent us the above picture. She was on the last train into Wall Street. Fortunately She was on the last train to leave that area. She thought it would be something I would want like to have. I certainly do appreciate it, but we all know it's not something I am happy to have.

The picture was taken from Jersey City or that area across from the Big Apple. Over the course of a lifetime I have been blessed with memories far better then those associated with 9-11. I only have to look at my many displays from the Garden State.

There are two nice badges from "J.C." hanging on my wall. If you are not from New Jersey, you probably think this "town' is the State Capital. It is not, but it does play a huge role in elections. It has been said, that more than double the population comes out to cast their ballots every Election Day. 

The City is on the Hudson River.  I remember the "Circle Line" and the trip around Manhattan. I remember the old Madison Square Garden, Times Square, New Years Eve, Forty-Second Street, and on and on. The best view of the Manhattan Skyline is across the Hudson River, from Jersey City, N.J. Today the "Freedom Tower" is what people stare at from the Jersey side of the River. 

Searching through the cobwebs in my mind, I remember some moments that, at the time didn't seem like much. Elvis came to Jersey City, and had a problem with "The Establishment." The spokesman for the local guys in blue was Police Commissioner Lawrence Whipple. He probably never liked "The King," but did "OK" in law enforcement circles, ultimately becoming a Federal Judge. 

In sports Jersey City was the location where The Dodgers, displayed their 1955 World Championship Flag over Roosevelt Stadium in Jersey City. Pee Wee Reese scored the 1200Th run of his career here. That was 1956. The "Bums" also played here in 1957. Today my Dodgers have long since moved West.  

The above badges remind me of all the  fine memories I have floating around my head. Pictured above the First Badge shines like the sun in gold tone. It has a typical NJ multi color seal in the center. The letters of gold, lay in a blue field that states: "Jersey City Police - Sergeant." It is believed to be authentic and has been in my hands a good forty years. 

The Second Badge is an old "traditional" Badge that is simply stamped "Jersey City Police -97." This one I have had over thirty years. It is in excellent condition, and estimated to be 75 years old or more. 

Both of these treasures are under glass in my Den. They are a constant reminder of memories I shall not forget, especially the one made in the morning of September 11, 2001.

THE CLACKER, THE FIRST MEANS OF LONG RANGE COMMUNICATION

   

This item is from the Newark P.D. It is an early low tech  radio.  It carries the number 75 on its wood stock. It pre- dates the actual radio by a hundred or so years.  

I think it is kinda cool as my Dad was one of the first "real radio operators" in the Newark Police Dept. He had a license to operate radios, but I am sure, he probably never saw this type. It was used long before he was born. 

In reality this item is a signal rattle or Clacker. It was used in the early 1800's. It was definitely made and used, well before Marconi.  It has no electric cords. It has no batteries. It has no "On" or "Off" switch, or volume control. The Darn thing is made of wood, and now that wood is very old and dry. 

This Rattle requires a lot of TLC when handling. The Rattle is roughly 8 inches top to bottom. It has some weight to it. So it might have had a "secondary use," which could explain some of the scratches and little dents here and there. 

When the man in Blue was patrolling the streets of Newark, and had a need to communicate, he would make the rattle emit a click. That sound could be heard by other officers in the same area. The sound could be received a block away. A response message could also be sent out by another officer using his Rattle. This was an important tool back in the 1800's. The "clicks" were actually real time status reports. These sounds could alert other officers when help was needed. 

To this collector the hand held rattle is very interesting. It is the roots of modern day communication. Today Rattle #75 is a nice supplement to my badge collection. It is proudly displayed along side of other treasures that I display at local Shows.

CAPTAIN'S WALKING STICK, NEWARK POLICE

  

 

Remember the movie "Walking Tall?" The Sheriff was a guy named Buford H. Pusser. He was best known for carrying a "big stick." The man served as a Police Officer and Sheriff. He became a one man crusade against crime. 

During his tour of duty Pusser became a folk hero. He was definitely a macho guy, who knew how to use his legendary wooden club. Armed with his Walking Stick Buford became a legendary salesman for Law and Order. 

 In 1964 Pusser (at 26) became the youngest person elected Sheriff of McNairy County, Tennessee. He got a fine looking badge with his name on the top panel. With this title he relentlessly attacked the mob in West Tennessee. 

The Sheriff's stick was more like a small tree. In the movie he carried it to encourage the wayward to walk a lawful path. For his efforts he was shot eight times. If that wasn't enough to seek early retirement he was also stabbed seven times. Guess some people didn't like him.

Bullets and Knives could not kill this guy. Like a man on a mission Bufford Pusser just kept coming at the bad guys. Unfortunately he saw his wife (1967) become the victim of an assassin's bullet that was intended for him. Seven years later a car "accident" finally claimed his life.  

The "walking stick" pictured above is nothing like the one used by Sheriff Pusser in the 1960's. It is smaller. It is older. It is a work of art. This "Walking Stick" was finely crafted from Irish Bog Wood well over a hundred years ago. 

Once cut it was shaped and sized to be part of the policeman's accessories. These Irish Sticks were routinely made for relatives who traveled across the"pond" to find work in the U.S. Many became police officers.  

Wherever there were a large number Irish on a police force one would always find pieces of "equipment" that was made in Ireland. The above pictured walking stick is believed to have made its' way to the Newark Police Department in N.J. There it was used by officers' with rank. 

The original owner of this beautiful stick could easily have been a Brennan, a Donaghy, a Lynch, or an O'Neill. They were all part of the old N.P.D. 

At first glance one may not think too much of this black piece of wood. Careful examination shows it to be a wonderful antique, and a fine piece of police memorabilia. 

The engravings, I am told, have unique meaning. There is a "Shamrock" seems to  offers luck, and well being. There is also a "Harp" that is finely carved near the handle. One can only sense the message it is sending. 

Regardless of the messages, I am sure this "Walking Stick" holds many fine memories, and I am glad to have them in my collection. Today it has a prominent location on the wall of my Den where I can gaze it every day.

RANK SET REACHED - FT. LEE, NJ

 

 

 
Fort Lee is a little community on the Hudson River. When the lights go out there ared 14,000 saying their nightly prayers and, going to sleep in this metropolis, across from New York City. 

When the Sun comes up the daily commuters, that travel through Fort Lee, will bring the population figure up to well over 100,000. The reason is the Bridge pictured above.

This is not just a Bridge, but the very well know George Washington Bridge (GWB). It stretches across the Hudson River into Manhattan. The Bridge makes Fort Lee an important location on the Jersey side of the Hudson River.

Besides the Bridge, Ft. Lee was also know as the Capital of the motion picture industry. I learned that when I visited Thomas Edison's Museum.  Edison  planted the roots for today's' Major Motion Picture Studios in the late 1800's.

As Badge Collections go, these fine antiques, are part of what I call my "Municipal Collection." My original goal was to collect one badge from as many municipalities (over 500) as I could. I had two specific requirements:  First they could not be from a City (Different Collection); and Second the Badge must be in the NY-NJ traditional shape.
 
I did get lucky with this Borough. While I collected a traditional shape Officer's shield,  I managed to obtain a total of six shields, one for each rank.  Of course they did not all come to me at once. 

The Sergeant Badge came to me first in the mid 1980's. I always loved the light blue background in the ring, behind an impressive gold State Seal. On the outside ring the blue is darker, with the words  "Borough of Ft Lee Police Dept."

The Officer Shield is the traditional shape I set my focus. It is very well known design, and used in hundreds of municipalities on the East Coast. The State Seal is stamped, from the rear then plated. The numbers (319) appear in an open box on the bottom. Beneath the box are the stamped State letters "NJ."

In the years that followed, I obtained a Lieutenant Badge, and a Captain Badge. They do not look alike at all. 

The Lieutenant's Badge seems a bit bigger, and has an applied "multi color State Seal." That is different from all the other rank badges from Ft. Lee. My feeling is this Lieutenant Badge possibly an "off duty" shield, and certainly a newer production. There also no Eagle on is' top. I assume the bird was for the top three ranks.

The Captain Badge. is an old timer for sure. Focus on the State Seal. It is consistent with the other badges, with the exception of the Lieutenant, and Patrolmen. That type of State Seal is vintage for sure, and makes this Captain's Badge truly rare.

The surprise of this collection was the most recent addition. It was the rank of Inspector. I was not aware that Ft. Lee had this title in their Police Department.  An Eagle sits on top of the shield, but the primary attraction is at center point. It is the N.J. State Seal, in a light blue field, which helps identify this Badge as vintage and rare. 

The head of this collection is the badge for the Chief.  It features a row of  four silver stars on its' top. If they are not enough the word Chief is nicely located in reverse blue/gold lettering at the bottom. In the center is an ornate State Seal. It is located in a round dark blue field.

Like all the Badges in my collection these six items reside under glass, and hang in a locked case. They are a rank set, and they are treasured. 

WANTED

 

WANTED!  BY NEW  JERSEY COLLECTOR

Looking for  Badges, Handcuffs, Whistles or Pictures from

Municipal Police or County Probation Departments with

a particular interest in all items from City of  Newark.

 

Contact:

DENNIS BEYER 

 email: denb22@GMAIL.COM

Collecting 50 Years, and Producer of

"badgecollector.blogspot.com"

 

AUCTION SITE FOR COLLECTORS

 

A new auction Site has been advertised in PC News in the Jan.-Feb. Edition.

The site is for collectors of Law Enforcement Memorabilia. It is a nice looking creation, and already has over 800 members.

The Address is:  http//auction.collectors-badges.com