Cincinnati Police original patch - 1971

Description

This is the patch that started it all!
In 1971, the Cincinnati Police Division (CPD) issued its’ first uniform shoulder patch in 168 years.
A number of things happened that began a lot of changes.
First and foremost was the new “personal” radio that would be carried by the officers on their gun belt.
This necessitated a new gun belt and holster with the revolver moving from a “cross draw” to a strong hand draw.
Because of that, the longer (fingertip) length coat (blouse) was eliminated to accommodate the new holster.
A new, shorter jacket, called an “Ike” jacket was issued to all field officers (patrolmen, specialists, and sergeants).
Lieutenants and above retained the longer blouse and cross draw holster.
It was decided that for the first time ever, a departmental patch would be put on the uniform, but only on the coat.
Previously, only the Cincinnati Park Police (not a part of CPD then) wore a patch to differentiate them from the regular CPD.
CPD Traffic Bureau officers had also worn a generic “Police Traffic” arm patch.
It was decided to ask the department personnel to design of the new patch.
The winning design was drawn by Patrolman Charles Schwab.
His patch used the American Eagle for strength, with a sword and shield in his talons.
The scales of justice are on the shield and an American Flag flies proudly behind the eagle.
This year (2021) is the 50
th
anniversary of this patch!
What also makes it so rare is that it was ONLY worn on the jacket, and in limited quantities.
Then, after only three (3) years, it was decided to go back to the patch-less coat.
New Ike jackets were issued without a patch and with the traditional brass buttons both thought to make a dressier appearance.
The previous zippered jacket, with a patch, was phased out.
These patches were not available to anyone, even officers, other than on the jacket; so unused versions are pretty much unheard of.
It was so hard for collectors to get one that someone created a “knock-off” patch that is similar, but easily distinguished from the original.
Don’t pass up this opportunity to own this hard to find historic patch.
Guaranteed original and genuine.
Note that the American Flag on this patch does not contain any stars in the blue field.
This is how it was originally made.
This patch is a large 4.75” x 3.75 inches and is much larger than the similar, but smaller, patch that would be made several years later
Please see the above photo of one of these patches on an original 1971 Ike Jacket.
The blue Velcro patch you see was used to carry the personal radio microphone.
Shown for reference purposes only; neither this patch, nor the jacket, is included in this auction.
The single shoulder patch shown in this listing is the one you will receive.
For accuracy, there is a small smudge of blue to the right of the “I” in
Cincinnati
. It is hard to see in the photo.
I did not try to remove it and will leave that up to the new owner.
I will charge only towards first class shipping and will absorb any domestic postage over that.  Ships to
U.S.
only.
Note:  This item conveys no law enforcement authority and is sold for collectible purposes only.  It is not a badge.  Please ask any questions before bidding as refunds are not offered.  Thanks for looking and good luck!
size approx. 4.75” x 3.75”