Item 2018.197 - Metropolitan Police Cape

Identity area

Reference code

2018.197

Title

Metropolitan Police Cape

Date(s)

  • 1956 (Creation)

Level of description

Item

Extent and medium

1

Context area

Name of creator

Unknown

Biographical history

Repository

Westminster Menswear Archive

Archival history

Immediate source of acquisition or transfer

Content and structure area

Scope and content

Dark blue police cape made of rubberised cotton with leather buckle fastening. It fastens at the centre front with four concealed black buttons (each with a security button behind) and a black leather strap just below the collar. The two side seams have been top-stitched and bonded with black tape to provide rigid reinforcement and ensure the cape remains waterproof. The hem also has a wide band of waterproof tape bonded on internally to allow the cape to keep its shape. There are two black elastic tabs finished in gabardine that have been inserted and sealed with a panel of self-fabric onto the inside of the back panel to be attached around the wearer's waist with three buttons sewn onto the adjustable tabs. Two elastic loops are also positioned on either side for the wearer to put their arms and wrists through for extra security.
Country of Design: England
Country of Manufacture: England

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      Physical characteristics and technical requirements

      Rubberised cotton
      Colour/Print: dark blue
      Details: bonded seams, leather strap, elasticated tabs
      Label: MP' stamped in white on inside. With '2' referring to the size. Production label: Order 16399 Size 2 Maker 125.

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      Note

      Invisible Men exhibition label:

      POLICE CAPE
      Maker unknown
      1950-1959

      This police uniform cape is made from rubberised cotton. The two side seams have been top stitched and bonded with black tape to provide rigid reinforcement and ensure the cape remains waterproof.

      Rubberised cotton
      Archive no. 2018.197

      Note

      From Inside the Westminster Menswear Archive:

      METROPOLITAN POLICE CAPE
      Maker unknown
      1956
      In 1953, the Metropolitan Police replaced the oilskin cape that had been issued since the 1850s with this mackintosh cape with a turned-down collar. In particularly wet or cold weather, foot and bicycle patrols were frequently required to wear capes over their great coats. Internal elastic loops were added in 1956 to accommodate the wearer’s hands and prevent the garment from ballooning while running. The cape fastens with four concealed black buttons and a black leather strap which the officer’s collar number could be attached to with loops and a split pin. The side seams have been reinforced with topstitching and bonded with black tape to keep the cape waterproof, and a wide band of waterproof tape has been internally bonded to the hem to maintain its shape.
      Rubberized Cotton
      Archive no. 2018.197

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