POTD: Liberty Bell Guard Revolvers

Twenty years after the Civil War ended, the World’s Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition wanted the Liberty Bell as their centerpiece – a symbol of national unity that recalled when North and South fought together against the British. This was the first time the bell had left Philadelphia since being hidden from the British during the Revolution, so the city wasn’t taking any chances with security. They picked three giants from their elite Reserve unit: Sergeant E.W. Malin at 6’6″, Patrolman T.H. Newman at 6’5″, and Patrolman John Patton at 6’4″. In 1885, these guys would have looked like basketball players – intimidating enough to make anyone think twice about messing with America’s most famous bell.

The mayor of New Orleans clearly understood the gesture’s importance. These aren’t typical police service revolvers – they’re factory-engraved Merwin Hulberts with full floral coverage, enamel accents, and even small birds engraved on the frames. Sergeant Malin’s revolver got the gold-plated cylinder and pearl grips, probably acknowledging his rank over the two patrolmen. What makes this presentation special isn’t just the craftsmanship, but what it represents about Reconstruction-era politics. New Orleans was making a serious diplomatic statement by honoring these Northern cops so lavishly. The Liberty Bell tour was as much about healing national wounds as showing off at the exposition.