19th century portrait of Police Sergeant Wilkins

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A rare surviving example of a large oil on canvas of a police sergeant dating to the latter part of the 19th century. The painting depicts a rather proud looking Police Sergeant E-10. The style of the painting dates it to a round 1860, and the uniform confirms this. This has been looked at by a police uniform expert from a police museum and the sitter appears to be a Metropolitan police sergeant of ‘E‘ or Holborn division in London. The style of helmet depicted in the painting was in use 1864-1870.
The painting sits in its large original gilt frame. The Metropolitan police believe they have identified the sitter as Edward Wilkins,who was promoted to Sergeant on the 13th Jan 1864. replacing Sergeant E-10 John Gascoigne who died on the 20th Nov 1863, Edward Wilkins retired as Sergeant E-10 on the 13th November 1872, covering the years of the painting. He was the only one to have the number E-10 in the six years that the helmet in the painting was in use. As he was promoted to sergeant in 1864 it may well have been painted for his promotion.

The painting is in untouched condition - it could be professionally restored but it seems to suit the old sergeant to leave him in his untouched state. There is craqueleur and some areas of paint loss - one extends to a small hole in the canvas, with some more canvas wear at the bottom.

There are not many of these paintings in existence and to find one in its original frame in untouched condition is rather pleasing.

Measuring Canvas 30” x 25”, with frame to follow

English, c. 1865

Sergeant Edward Wilkins’ service record
Name

Edward Wilkins
Warrant Number

31520
Divisional Number

Left as Sergeant E-10 (Holborn Division)
Previous number E-65
Promoted to Sgt 13th Jan 1864
Age on Joining
23

Age on leaving
42
Date of Birth

8th Jan 1830
Height (Feet / Inches)

5’ 7’’
Previous Occupation
Tailor
Place of Birth

Town

Hurstborne
County

Hants
Public Service

Police

------
Army

-------
Navy

-------------
Joined
18th July 1853
Left

13th November 1872
Pay to the 7th
Pension, Other Information

Pension of £40 6s 0d for a 19 year service, reason for leaving Defective Vision.

Pension Number 3627 , a pension file may be found in the file MEPO21/11 (1872 ) this may give you a little more information on him. And can be found at the National Archive Kew.

Leavers Register Conduct Cert 1, Very Good

Recommended by Mr. Thomas Pursey, 1 Dulce Crescent, Hampstead Road

Information courtesy of the Metropolitan police PriceSold DimensionsCanvas 30" x 25" Measurement of frame to follow Date c. 1865 Mid Victorian Antiques Origin English Item code as226a062 Status Sold

SellerRob Hall Antiques

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Rob Hall Antiques