Canister
Object number2011.127.352
Manufacturer
General Ordnance Equipment Corporation
Manufacturer
Smith & Wesson
Date1965-1987
OriginPittsburgh, PA
MediumPlastic, metal
Credit LineGift of Pittsburgh Police Historical Association
DescriptionBlack, plastic mace dispenser with a trigger on the front. Cartridge inside the handle.Dimensions1.625 x 2.25 x 6.25 in. (4.1 x 5.7 x 15.9 cm)MarksOn one side: "CHEMICAL / MACE (R) / BRAND / NON-LETHAL WEAPON / GOEC / MK-V".
On other side: "4086585 / PATENTS PENDING / GENERAL ORDNANCE EQUIPMENT CORPORATION PITTSBURGH, PA. / A MEMBER OF THE SMITH & WESSON LAW ENFORCEMENT GROUP / CHEMICAL MACE & MACE ARE TRADEMARKS OF GOEC" Below this is the Smith & Wesson logo of the letters S&W entwined and inscribed in a circle.
Historical NotesChemical Mace was invented in 1965 by Allan Lee Litman. Litman was the founder and co-owner of General Ordnance Equipment Corporation (GOEC), a company based in Pittsburgh. Litman invented mace after an incident in which his wife Doris was threatened on the street. In 1987, Chemical Mace was sold to Smith & Wesson and manufactured by the Lake Erie Chemical division. Part of the Pittsburgh Police Historical Association collection.
Related institution
Pittsburgh Bureau of Police
Terms
On View
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