A pair of black leather constables' or sergeants gloves c1975
Name/Title
A pair of black leather constable's or sergeant's gloves c1975
Entry/Object ID
2308
Description
A pair of black leather gloves, each with a small size label marked "10 1/2". They do not have any fixing at the wrist.
Use
For a constable or sergeant to wear.
Context
Since at least 1968 and the formation of Sussex Constabulary black leather gloves have been issued to constables and sergeants in Sussex (Amalgamation Memorandum 1967). It is not known whether they were issued in any of the pre 1968 police forces in Sussex but until the 1960s it had been common practice for officers to have black woollen gloves. Some including those in Brighton and East Sussex Constabulary, were issued with white woollen gloves for daytime use. However in Sussex Constabulary black leather ones were issued to the lower ranks, along with white nylon ones for ceremonial use and point duty (Sussex Police Forces Amalgamation Memorandum 1967).
At the same time officers of the rank of inspector and above were issued with brown leather gloves.
This particular pair were issued in Sussex and are probably from Sussex Police and date to the mid c1970s, as unlike earlier versions they have no closing at the wrist. Practically identical gloves are still issued to officers in Sussex Police, as of 2023.
