Law enforcement baton
late 19th century
Wood, silver, metal
Overall: 23 1/2 × 1 3/4 in. (59.7 × 4.4 cm)
Gift of the Giordano Family
2023.48.3
This medallion, ring, police whistle, baton, and nightstick, and presentation walking stick all belonged to Lieutenant Frederick Ludwig Stahl (1866–1941), who served as a New York City policeman from approximately 1893 to 1913. Stahl was awarded the first Rhinelander Medal in 1898 in honor of his courageous rescue of victims trapped inside Liberty Hall, located at 261 Houston Street, while it burned the previous year.
Stahl was off duty when he happened upon the burning building. After seeing inhabitants calling for help, he entered the flame engulfed structure and repeatedly carried out a total of twenty men, women, and children trapped inside. When members of the NYPD and FDNY finally arrived at the scene, Stahl collapsed from burns, smoke inhalation, and exhaustion.
Stahl was awarded the medallion on June 2, 1898 at a ceremony that corresponded with the consolidation of the City of New York. Over 4,300 fellow policemen attended the ceremony. Stahl was also promoted to the rank of Roundman on that day. Thereafter, the Rhinelander medal was awarded annually. Similarly, the walking stick was presented to Stahl at an Annual Banquet of the Lieutenant’s Benevelent Association held at the Waldorf Astoria in February 1910. The police whistle, baton, and nightstick were all used by Stahl during his years working as a patrolman.
New-York Historical’s museum collection holds numerous artifacts related to the valiant work of the city’s policemen. The presentation medal and cane, along with Stahl’s police whistle, baton, and nightstick, and ring, will complement these artifacts and offer a vivid glimpse into the career and heroism of an officer active during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
DescriptionTurned wooden police baton. Baton has baluster handle and knob finial.MarkingsAffixed brass plaques marked “L.65”
ClassificationsPOLICE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT
