A Uniformed Mannequin A uniformed mannequin is part of a private law enforcement collection being displayed at the Old Jail until the end of September. The police uniform dates back to the turn of the 20th century. (Photo Charlotte Boynton)

The exhibit includes framed police badges that date to the 19th and early 20th centuries. Some are generic whiles others belong to specific departments.

There are two display cases in the exhibit. The items include an 1855 .32 caliber Smith and Wesson police pistol, the type of firearm carried by Maine law enforcement personnel during that time period. Other old items include brass knuckles, and handcuffs.

Standing in the jail cell is a uniformed mannequin dressed in a turn- of-the-century police uniform. It is the style of uniform worn by Maine police officers. The style was patterned after uniforms used by the Boston police department. Boston fashioned their uniform style from those worn by English bobbies.

Police officers in Maine were not issued a uniform by their employers. Officers purchased the fabric from the department and had to pay to have the uniforms custom made. The departments issued the badges, buttons, belt buckle, baton, handcuffs and hats.

The exhibit also includes a photograph of an unidentified Bath police officer, about whom little is known. It is believed to date just prior to the turn of the 20th century.

The law enforcement collection is owned by Fred and Debbie Bryant of Dixmont (Maine). Both are retired Bangor police officers.

The exhibit will be shown until the end of September.