The Baltimore Police Sword

Commemorating
The 200th. Anniversary of the  Baltimore City Police Department

These swords were made available to members of the department in 1984. The sword, made by the Wilkinson Sword Company in England, is 34 inches in length. The blade is engraved with all the important events of the Baltimore Police Department and the city of Baltimore from 1634 through the end of 1976. It also features engravings of the five badges the department has used since its inception.

The sword pictured here is number 58 of only 152 made. It was originally owned by Thomas B. Badlik, then apparently sold to Sgt. Thomas Bradley of the Traffic Division, Motorcycle Section, who attended his Final Roll Call. After this, Bill Hackley obtained it and kept it in his personal collection until his passing.

The original price of the sword was $278.00. Of the 152 made, number 1 went to Commissioner Bishop Robinson (actually the office of the Police Commissioner), and number 152 went to the Baltimore Police Department Museum.

 

The Baltimore Police Sword

   
 

 

~Sword of Honor~”  

British Ceremonial Imports Ltd.  

The Baltimore Police Sword is modeled after a 10th-century knightly sword, which came in various styles suitable for different ranks.

The 10th-century sword was straight and relatively short, featuring a simple cross-shaped quillon and a short grip ending in a bell-shaped or round pommel.

By the 13th century, the blade had become longer, and the grip larger. The pommel also evolved into various shapes, including a simple ball, a Norman-like helmet, a disc, a mushroom shape, a semi-circle, or a crenelated boss.

BOSS - A circular prominence; a knob or projecting ornament.

Swords similar to the Baltimore Police Sword, with cross-shaped quillons, were common throughout the West. They were used by warriors from Northern Europe to the Mediterranean, and even as far as North Africa and the Sahara, where the Tuaregs still use a similar type today.

  

   

WILKINSON SWORD

Sole Distributor

Baltimore Police Department 200^th Anniversary Commemorative Sword of Honor With our permission, Wilkinson Sword Limited of London, England, U. K. will be honored to manufacture, in a single world-wide limited edition, made available only to members of the Baltimore Police Department, and under no circumstances made available to the general public a limited edition commemorates the history of the Baltimore Police Department. The sword, which is of intrinsic value in terms of sentiment and in line with the tradition of one of the oldest uniform services, is symbolic of authority. It is also symbolic of our tradition. It occupies a significant place in the statue of justice, where the sword is held in one hand and the weighing scales in the other.

The world-renowned sword smiths of Wilkinson Sword Limited of London, England, will hand forge the Baltimore Police Department 200^th Anniversary Commemorative Sword of Honor This modern presentation sword will be approximately 30 inches in length.- Its blade will be hardened and tempered. The cross piece, shell guard, and pommel will be heavily plated in 18 ct. gold. The grip will be made of Rosewood and will be hand French polished to a mirror finish. On the sword's blade, the swordsmiths will make historical etchings of the Baltimore Police Department, its artifacts directly relating to the history of same. The limited edition will be individually numbered, commencing with number 001 which will be presented to the Commissioner of Police. To accompany the sword will be a numbered certificate of Authenticity. The names and addresses of each recipient will be entered into the registers of British Ceremonial imports Limited for all time. The Baltimore Police Department 200th. Anniversary Commemorative.  

Sword of Honor will be a legacy of history, which can be passed along to future generations of families, to serve as a reminder of the recipient's participation in the Baltimore Police Department. The recipient will also take pride in owning one of the finest examples of craftsmanship ever created; the artistry-in-steel, a rare and unusual showpiece which can be exhibited and enjoyed.  

The sword will be made available exclusively through a designated official of the Baltimore Police Department, on a first come first served basis. Prompt action in ordering will result in securing the lowest registry number. Anyone interested in purchasing a sword, please contact the Director, Property Division, 396-2575. An example sword made for the Marine Corps by Wilkinson Sword is on display in the Museum.  This information was from the original brochure for the BPD Commemorative Sword furnished by Retired Major Robert DeStefano

- Thanks to Retired Sergeant William Stone, there will be more info on this sword to come - 

• 2018-08-08 - 12:47:11 - 1st Women Police
• 2018-08-08 - 12:50:15 - Historians