Sheriff's Office - $$2.50
Old West Sheriff's Office
A Sheriff's Office
Sorry for thee not-so-wonderful photo of this building but we had to get the hanging noose in. You can make the rope by lighting a piece of pipe cleaner and burning off all the 'fuzz'. ..No pun intended.
Additional Historical Insights
In the Wild West (roughly 1865–1895), sheriff offices were central to frontier law enforcement, often simple wooden structures with jails for holding outlaws. Sheriffs like Wyatt Earp or Pat Garrett balanced duties from tax collection to posse-leading, facing dangers from bandits and feuds. Life was gritty—sheriffs earned modest pay, relied on deputies, and dealt with vigilante justice in remote towns.
These offices symbolized order amid chaos, with famous shootouts like the O.K. Corral occurring nearby.
Fun Trivia
- Many sheriffs were former outlaws or gamblers, like Bat Masterson, who transitioned to lawmen.
- The term "sheriff" derives from Old English "shire-reeve," meaning county guardian. (thewild-west.fandom.com)
Model Building Tips
Build with cardstock for sturdy walls, adding toothpick bars for the jail. Weather with sandpaper for a dusty look, and include accessories like wanted posters or a star badge. Scale it for 28mm figures to create dioramas with outlaws or posses.