Images(2)

Badge, Law Enforcement

Object number2007.178.13

Date1974-1989

MediumMetal

Credit LineGift of Joe Davis

DescriptionEngraved circular, metal police badge. At top, engraved castle and shield with three encircled eagles. On left side is city name; on right side is organization name. In center, embossed badge number. At bottom, engraved belt with buckle. Straight pin on back.Dimensions2.375 x 3.125 in. (6 x 7.9 cm)
InscriptionsOn left side, "PITTSBURGH"; on right side, "POLICE".

In center, embossed, "952".
Historical NotesArnold Herbert Smith was a Pittsburgh police officer before spending twelve years with the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Police Force. Arnold Herbert Smith, Sr., was born on October 11, 1923, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Schenley High School in 1942, and quickly enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving in the Pacific Theater. Three years later he married Mattie Lesesne; four children were born to this marriage. Years after his divorce to Mattie, he married Estella Pennington, with whom he had one son. Smith worked as a steelworker before joining the Pittsburgh Police Force in 1974; he eventually worked for the Housing Authority before retiring in 1986. Smith was also active in organizations, being a 32nd Degree Mason, a Shriner, and a member of both the Veterans of Foreign Affairs and the Fraternal Order of Police. He died September 19, 1999. In 1873, the Police Badge was designed and officially adopted by the City of Pittsburgh. The badge is a unique design: The crest is from the Coat-of-Arms of William Pitt, the first Earl of Chatham, and the man for whom Pittsburgh is named. The garter around the badge is linked to King George III, the last English ruler of the American colonies. The shield is a circular fighting shield used by 15th century Greek foot soldiers. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the circular shield was used extensively in the British Isles, hence its appearance in Pittsburgh. The Pittsburgh Police Badge with its distinctive design and history is worn with great pride by the men and women of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.

Previous owner Arnold Herbert Smith Sr. (1923 - 1999)

Related institution Pittsburgh Bureau of Police

Subjects

Terms