1808 Dated British George III Mahogany Baluster Tipstaff / Truncheon With Hand Painted Decoration Crown GR III Royal Cypher, ‘*12.D’ Between Shield Device ‘T.M’ Antiques & Militaria

1808 Dated British George III Mahogany Baluster Tipstaff / Truncheon With Hand Painted Decoration Crown GR III Royal Cypher, ‘*12.D’ Between Shield Device ‘T.M’. Sn 20531 - 20531

The earliest record of the Tipstaff (Warrant Stick) was in the 14th century. The name derives from the early origins of Policing when Warranted Officers would apprehend a criminal with the help if necessary of a tipped staff. The staff would be made of wood or metal and were not only a means of self defence but the tips of the staffs would bear symbols of their authority. Modern Police Truncheons originated from these Tipstaffs. This is an excellent original Georgian Police Tip Staff / Truncheon with original hand painted decoration. The Baluster shape shaft is made of Mahogany, tapered and shaped for grip. The staff measures 13 ¾” length. The painted decoration in the top section features a Crown and Royal Cypher ‘GR III’ (George II Rex), together with ‘*12.D’ Between Shield Device ‘T.M’ on a field of green (most likely a Police Constabulary Division or County designation) and ‘1808’ date. The staff has a stepped top and butt. The butt of the handle has a small old stable chip on the edge which can be seen in the images, consistent with age and service use. All of the staff’s colourful decoration is vivid. The price for this tipstaff worthy of further research regarding the markings includes UK delivery. Sn 20531

£475.00