Early woman police sergeant, London

Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library

Early woman police sergeant, London

An early (possibly the first) woman police sergeant in London, wearing the Stanley Uniform, introduced in 1919. The tunic was single-breasted with six metal buttons down the front and a snake clasp belt. The skirt was mid-calf length. Black woollen stockings were worn, and boots with a one-inch heel. The helmet was made of cork and hard felt. Although Harrods fitted and made the uniform, the material was coarse and uncomfortable. In 1926 changes were made to make it more comfortable and practical. Date: circa 1920s

Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries

Media ID 14307562

© Metropolitan Police Authority/Mary Evans

Armband Belt Boots Breasted Buttons Calf Clasp Cork Duty Equality Felt Hard Heel Inch Length Metropolitan Pose Posing Sergeant Skirt Sleeve Snake Stanley Stockings Stripes Tunic Woollen 1919 Officers

FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS

> Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Police

> Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Sights > Harrods

EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph captures the historic moment of an early woman police sergeant, believed to be the first in London, standing confidently on the pavement in front of a building. Dressed in the Stanley Uniform, which was introduced by the Metropolitan Police in 1919, she wears a single-breasted tunic with six metal buttons down the front and a snake clasp belt. The mid-calf length skirt is paired with black woollen stockings and boots with a one-inch heel. The helmet, made of cork and hard felt, sits atop her head. Although Harrods fitted and made the uniform, the material was reportedly coarse and uncomfortable. In 1926, changes were made to improve the comfort and practicality of the uniform for the women police constables (WPCs) and officers. The sergeant's collar is adorned with stripes, and her sleeve bears the armband of her rank. Her pose exudes a sense of duty and determination, reflecting the groundbreaking role she played in breaking gender barriers in law enforcement during the 1910s and 1920s.

MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee

FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools

FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!

SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you

* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.