Description:

Philadelphia Nativist Riots
[Philadelphia, PA], ca. May - July 1844
1844 Philadelphia Nativist Riots "Peace Police" Hat Badge
Other

A hat badge printed "Peace Police" in black bold typeface at the center of a cream-colored muslin band, pinned to an overall diameter of 8" - perfect for fitting securely around a hat crown (see photos for reference.) Ca. 1844. [Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.] The hat badge was probably owned and worn by a member of the emergency police force raised to quell mob violence during the Philadelphia Nativist Riots of May - July 1844. The band has been pencil-inscribed by a former collector as "Riots of 1844" above the printed word "Peace." There is a looped cockade ink-inscribed "4" at the rear of the band, probably referring to a badge number. Expected wear including fly-specking, scattered smudges and stains, and isolated stray edge threads. Else very good. Measures approximately 11" x 2.75" flattened. ***Please note that the hat is not included in this lot; it is for display purposes only.

The underlying cause of the Philadelphia Nativist Riots of 1844 was the growth of nativism in American politics. Philadelphia's early- to mid-19th C. industrial opportunities had attracted a flood of Irish Catholic immigrants to the primarily Protestant, native-born city. The Philadelphia Nativist Riots took place in two distinct but related episodes, from May 6-8, 1844 in the Kensington district near Philadelphia; and on July 6-7, 1844 in the Southwark district. Historians estimate that about 20 people were killed and hundreds of injuries sustained on both sides during the riots. In addition, two Catholic Churches, a seminary, a marketplace, and numerous private homes were destroyed.

Philadelphia's municipal government was shocked by the scope and intensity of the violence during the Philadelphia Nativist Riots. The current police force, comprised of part-time watchmen and constables, proved totally insufficient for the task of safeguarding the city. On May 8, 1844, city leaders appropriated emergency funding to raise a temporary police force: citizens from aldermen's wards temporarily invested with police powers. Historian Joseph Louis J. Kirlin describes the physical manifestation of this police investiture: "Each man was furnished with a white muslin badge to be worn around his hat. The badge bore the words 'Peace Police.'" The Peace Police was responsible for protecting law and order, and many guarded buildings which could become mob flashpoints. Mayor John Morin Scott declared martial law in Philadelphia County on May 9, 1844. About 5,000 state militiamen and soldiers dispatched from Harrisburg later reinforced the Peace Policemen. The incidents that Spring and Summer highlighted the urgent need for a centralized and well-funded police force.

For more information about this fascinating subject, see Joseph Louis J. Kirlin, "Catholicity in Philadelphia: From the Earliest Missionaries Down to the Present Time" (Philadelphia: John Jos. McVey, 1909), especially p. 322; and Peter J. Twist, "Identity and Empowerment: Gangs in Nineteenth-Century Philadelphia," MA History Thesis, Temple University, 2013), especially pp. 53-56.

We are proud to include items consigned by the Manuscript Society in this auction. These items come from the estate of well-known manuscript dealers Forest G. & Forest H. Sweet and Julia Sweet Newman. Forest G. Sweet was an early leader of the Manuscript Society as well as a rare book scholar. The proceeds from your purchase of these items will benefit the work of the Manuscript Society. You can learn more about them, and become a member of the Manuscript Society, at www.manuscript.org.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: badge: 11" x 2.75"; 8" diameter
  • Medium: Other

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