Avon and Somerset Police as we know it today formed in 1974 from the merger of the former Somerset and Bath Constabulary with the Bristol police force and the Staple Hill division of Gloucestershire Constabulary.
However policing in the Avon and Somerset force area dates back more than 175 years, when Bath and Bristol were among the first cities in the country to form their own police forces.
In 1835 the Municipal Corporation Act gave towns and cities the power to create their own professional police forces. Bath Constabulary was the first to form in 1836, followed later the same year by Bristol. Bridgwater and Chard were created in 1839 and by 1940 had become part of the Somerset Constabulary.
The original Bristol police officer wore a uniform of top hat, blue swallow-tailed coat, white dress trousers, cape and great coat as he patrolled the streets on foot. He was equipped with a rattle and wooden truncheon – with cutlasses and handcuffs available in case of serious trouble.

Description: Dark blue body, bonnet, bottom half of side panels and opening rear doors; black chassis, mudguards, running boards and ribbed roof; chrome 12 spoke wheels; plain black tyres with spare on drivers side above running board; radiator grille, windscreen, headlights and sidelamps in chrome; toolbox cover on left side running board in brass; black plastic RHD steering wheel; mushroom brown seats; Avon and Somerset Constabulary insignia on both sides of upper panel with 'POLICE' in bold white print on bottom of rear door and front of cab roof; front and rear number-plates – AC168.

Variations: Black or tan seats.

Notes/Certificate: This model is packaged in its original straw-style window box and includes a limited edition certificate of authenticity.