Flatfoots (Flatfeet?)

[Mr. Sable]

Does anyone have a photo of what pre-WWII police uniforms looked like? Most PD's had the 5 pointed peak cap, didn't they?

I can't find jack about this on the old inter-web.

 

[jamespowers]

Well, All I could find were a few from the motor patrol of New Mexico from the 1930s.

This is from 1937:

And this is officer House from 1933:

I hope that helps. Looks like you were sort of right about the caps but I think I count six points on the House photo. Maybe I am wrong.

Regards to all,

J

 

[Vladimir Berkov]

All I know is that from the examples I have seen, the vintage police uniforms were far better looking than they are today.

Does anybody know why modern police uniformly wear skin-tight clothing? I swear, those tight polyester pants make me feel uncomfortable just looking at them. You would think that with the physical activity required the police would wear more practical clothing.

 

[jamespowers]

Hmmm... The way you describe it the cops in your area look like the guy from The Village People. Ours don't look like that here. The uniforms are pretty drab but that helps when they are trying not to get shot at.
Sheriff Taylor don't work here anymore.

Regards to all,

J

 

[Vladimir Berkov]

I couldn't find any decent images of the APD on the internet, but here are two of Texas state troopers. Look at those pants, they are just wrong.

 

[jamespowers]

I see what you mean. Hahahahahhahahahahahahahh!
The Village People it is. I suppose it could be worse. He could look like Officer Dangle from Reno 911.

Regards to all,

J

 

[Mr. Sable]

Those modern pants are very wrong, but I'm not sure how less wrong they are than breeches.

Thanks for your help, guys.

 

[MK]

Worse yet....

.....are how the women cops look in them. VERY unflatering backsides......or is that a qualification for women cops to have funky butts?

 

[BellyTank]

Fairlawn NJ Cops-
1) 1924

Fairlawn NJ Cops-
2) 1930

Fairlawn NJ Cops-
3) 1935

Fairlawn NJ Cops-
4) 1941

B
T

 

[Vladimir Berkov]

Those 1930's uniforms with the high boots and riding pants are outstanding!

Also, notice how many of the policemen are wearing their hats at a jaunty angle. This was very popular for men in uniform up through World War 2. In contrast, a modern American will wear a hat or cap perfectly straight and centered...very boring. I much prefer the jaunty angle, and love to use it whenever I am in uniform, and it also makes the look more authentic.

 

[Mr. Sable]

Thanks! Those are excellent pictures. I'd been thinking they still had the double row of buttons til the mid-forties. Guess not.

 

[Biltmore Bob]

I think NYC had double breasted uniforms up to the '70s. Remember Fort Apache, The Bronx?

 

[Mr. Sable]

Good eye. Wonder if that's a dress uniform or something. Looks a lot different than Asner's in the photo.

 

[jamespowers]

VERY unflattering backsides......or is that a qualification for women cops to have funky butts?

In short, yes.

Regards to all,

J

 

[Badluck Brody]

Proud to wear it, just hate the way they look...

If they were made of anything else, they wouldn't hold up. Wool would be insane (And smelly)in the summer. But some depts. are going to BDU's and such.

After spending years cuffing my pants and such, and dressing the way I like... it is tough spending eight to 12 hrs in geek polyester. You should see what happens to polyester near a live fire!~~!

I personally prefer the classic styles. Them boots, riding pants, and the twin rows of buttons are great!!

Man, I was born at the wrong time!!


Brody

 

[Vladimir Berkov]

I would take wool over polyester in the summer anyday.

 

[Badluck Brody]

Yeah... I would probably agree with you!!

I know that they do have lighter wool. But the bottom line is poly just $uck$! And the cut of the uniforms is intentionally to make us look like we dumbed in our shorts...


Brody