Original Owner George Washington Matsell (1811 - 1877)

Stave-of-office

1840-1860

Place madeNew York, United States, North America

Wood, metal, silk

Overall: 25 7/8 x 3 x 1 1/4 in. ( 65.7 x 7.6 x 3.2 cm )

Purchase

1949.31

This stave-of-office belonged to George Washington Matsell (1811-1877), the first Chief of Municipal Police in New York City, 1845-1857. He led the first regularly drilled police force in the city, and was Superintendent of the New York City Police in 1873. Like badges, such staves indicated officers' positions.

DescriptionWooden stave-of-office with metal ornament at the top in the form of a police badge, with seven pointed star and circular center depicting spread eagle on shield with animals and barrels in spaces between windmill arms in relief, with colonial figure with musket and native American with bow on either side; ornament set above baluster shaped area, velvet covered at the center, velvet secured to the baton with metal thumbtacks, the bottom area is plain and rounded at the end.

ClassificationsPOLICE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT