Weapons of the British Columbia Police

J

jhawes

Regular
Super GunNutz
Rating - 100%
21   0   0
Thought this might be of interest to some....

The BC Police were formed in the 1858 and competed with the Texas Rangers for the honour of the oldest police force in North America. They were disbanded in 1950, with most of the members transferring to the R.C.M.P.

My neighbour's dad was a member and I had the fortune to obtain 4 original uniforms.

Since then, I have acquired a marked .38 special large frame and a marked .38 special small frame. In addition, I just acquired a marked
30/30 manufactured around 1942 and authenticated by the RCMP weapons archivist.

Here is a short pictoral look at the BC Police.

Cheers, Jim
 

Attachments

  • IMG_2842.jpg
    IMG_2842.jpg
    77.4 KB · Views: 1,539
  • IMG_2843.jpg
    IMG_2843.jpg
    78.3 KB · Views: 1,540
  • IMG_2844.jpg
    IMG_2844.jpg
    136.6 KB · Views: 1,546
  • IMG_2845.jpg
    IMG_2845.jpg
    132.1 KB · Views: 1,544
  • IMG_2848.jpg
    IMG_2848.jpg
    76.3 KB · Views: 1,538
  • IMG_2849.JPG
    IMG_2849.JPG
    64 KB · Views: 1,537
  • IMG_2853.jpg
    IMG_2853.jpg
    92 KB · Views: 1,533
[/ATTACH]IMG_2854.jpgA couple of more shots
 

Attachments

  • IMG_2854.jpg
    IMG_2854.jpg
    82.4 KB · Views: 1,461
Last edited:
Nice historic collection! I say bring back the BC Police and dump the RCMP!

Your "small frame" (K frame) revolver appears to be a S&W "Regulation Police", predecessor to the Model 10 used by the RCMP until they went to semi-autos. The "large frame" is likely a .38-44 built on the .44 'N' frame, referred to as the 'Heavy Duty Model" without adjustable rear sight. The civilian model with adjustable rear sight was known as the ".38-44 Outdoorsman", using "Hi-Speed cartridges", the precursor to the .357 magnum built on the same frame.

It will digest loads that the smaller 'K' frame gun will not, but will likely not chamber .357 cases which are 1/10" of an inch longer for safety reasons.
 
Nice Winchester The Attorney Generals Office had them and sold
them a few at a time with guns they surpluses out like the Smith
model 17 22s
 
I used to drink with an ex police chief from Matsqui back in the mists of time. He had everything good to say about the BC Police and nothing good to say about the RCMP. According to one book I read about the BC Police, when they transferred to the RCMP very few of them could fit in the RCMP uniforms. The BC Police hired really big guys.
 
jhawes said:
The BC Police were formed in the 1858 and competed with the Texas Rangers for the honour of the oldest police force in North America. They were disbanded in 1950, with most of the members transferring to the R.C.M.P.

Cheers, Jim
Click to expand...

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary IS the oldest police force in North America, dating back to 1729, and has been in continuous operation since that time.

It's actually probable that the force is older than that, as there are references to "Constables' in historical documents before that date, but it's unclear if these Constables were part of a organized unit or just locally appointed.

That is a really nice collection.
 
Last edited:
Interesting that the Model 94 SN #1240847 puts it in about 1940/41 or so.

The serial number precedes the earliest PCMR rifle that I am aware of (#1261247).

The Alberta Provincial Police had some common as well as some weird weapons. Check out the Lewis gun and the MP 18 being used by the guy in the sidecar.

Mnehq6a.jpg

R5Lkcqn.jpg

MPaRskd.jpg
 
Very nice. I have one BCP marked Stetson and a couple of unmarked ones from the same uniform grouping.

I am now looking for BCP marked boots. If anyone is aware of the availability of a pair, would appreciate the lead.
Cheers, Jim
 
I do have a set of Mountie boots and I have seen a set of marked boots.

Someone told me they are black instead of Mountie brown?

JIm
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom