RARE 1860s 1880s CHICAGO POLICE BELT PLATE BUCKLE

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This is an outstanding, original specimen of the belt plate used during the early years of the Chicago Police. Based upon the construction and style of this buckle, I would date it to the 1870's or 1880's, although the particular style of construction and form of this belt plate dates to the 1850's. This plate may be of Civil War vintage, but I am not certain of this. I would welcome any verifiable attributions as to the dates of use of this plate. I saw an original photo of one of these in wear on the internet, but I was not able to include it. Maybe I could direct you to it, unless you are familiar with this style of belt plate already. This buckle dates from the period when "cops" were literally "cops." In the popular etymology of the word, "cop" is a shortened version of "copper." This term referred to the bright accoutrements worn by police officers on their uniforms. Unfortunately, this is COMPLETELY FALSE! Actually, the term, as I understand it, has its roots in describing the act of seizing a miscreant in the commission of or fleeing the scene of a crime. Back in those days, relatively few police departments issued or carried firearms on an official basis; however, with the proliferation of cheap handguns, the necessity for arming officers became patently obvious. Thus, physical prowess and imposing presence were important attributes in a police officer who would often have to physically collar or "cop" a fleeing "perp." I hope you will pardon the juxtaposition of terms both old and new. Officers in those days normally carried the obligatory "nightstick" or baton and maybe a woven leather, lead filled, "blackjack" or small "hideout" gun in the pocket. The baton was suspended from a duty belt secured by a buckle that sometimes bore a device unique to the city or state. This is one such buckle. It is constructed of bronze that has taken on a very pleasing, untouched patina since its retirement from active service. The belt plate measures 3 1/8 inches wide by 1 7/8 inches high. A unique aspect of construction that I have not observed on any buckle of the period is the manner in which the letters are applied. The nickel silver letters and stars are INLAID into the surface of the buckle and the studs on the reverse are peened over to secure them. This is quite unusual for a belt plate of this period and presented a sleek and sturdy appearance. The reverse of the buckle retains the original "tongue" that is sometimes missing from buckles of this genre. An added bonus is the fact that the "tongue" is maker marked "F. WOLLENSAK CHICAGO." Why not equip the force with products of local industry? The belt plate is also serial numbered or bench assembly numbered "6." On the reverse you can see the studs of the nickel silver letters and how they were peened over. Overall condition is superb. As a testament to its antiquity and era of manufacture, casting roughness and file marks on the reverse proclaim that this piece was finished and fitted by hand and was not some mass produced, machine made item. The front bears evidence of being polished during its time of service. Unlaquered metals, especially bronze, brass, and copper rapidly tarnish within a few days or weeks. Thus, personal maintenance of one's accoutrements was an important daily duty of the police officer as he would want to look presentable; for he represented the city itself. I'm sure this belt plate walked many a mile on the "beat" with its original owner and was reverently cared for and saved by him after retirement as a momento of his service. Who knows what stories this could tell of old time police work in the "City of the Big Shoulders." This would compliment ANY collection of early police memorabilia, Chicago police items, or would make a wonderful Christmas gift to a serving member of "Chicago's finest." Please tender payment by certified check or money order within 10 days of the close of the auction. I am not set up for PayPal transactions. International bidders should contact me before bidding to con... read more

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