A timeless collection chronicles the history of law enforcement across the globe

A wealth of knowledge and a documenter of antiquity, Allan Baudry is a collector of everything related to the history of those who serve in uniform.

With particular attention to law enforcement, the 54-year-old’s vast collection chronicles over 100 years of evolving insignia that speaks to the journey of those who swear to protect their fellow citizens. Accompanied by helmets, handcuff, bullets and guns, Baudry takes the viewer on a visual journey through passage of time with over 1 000 pieces.

Baudry himself has served as a reservist for over 30 years and began his collection with his own badges earned in the fire department, which he joined after leaving the army in 1989. The appreciation of artefacts was passed down to him by his father who collected spoons and is motivated to preserve the memory of understated heroes.

“For me it is about the history. The collection is something to show people where we come from,” Allan said.

Among his favourite items are South African police badges dated between 1913 and 1919 which were the first badges issued to the newly formed national police force. Fine details of the insignia can reveal which era the badge is from with the British monarch’s crown adorning pre-1954 badges. The old South African Coat of Arms forms the crest of badges between 1954 and 1994 with the Aloe forming the post 1994 badges.

Other treasured items in Allan’s collection include a set of wings issued to police pilots who served in World War II as well as a set of General’s swords that were issued to the highest ranking officers pre-1994. Also preserving paper, the collector keeps safe a police pocket book from 1913, a Koevoet officer’s pocket book from the 1980’s, crime scene books and even Krugersdorp’s municipal asset registry for the period between 1968 and 1977

Owing to his days in the fire department, he has a side collection of fire engines. The almost 300-strong collection ranges from miniature replicas to a real fire engine that served in London and was a prop on the film Blood Diamond. While stored in various locations, Allan does not let his collection gather dust as he regularly displays the items at community markets, infantry shows and museum days throughout the year.

As well as being educational, the displays and stories behind the pieces enamour people to an often underappreciated service.

“It shows the public that the police are people too,” he said, adding that it helps promotes trust in children toward the badge and uniform. Always looking for new pieces, Baudry urges people not to throw memorabilia away but find a good home for it.

To get in touch with Allan, send an email to dueconcepts@discoverymail.co.za.