1868 Victorian British Lignum Vitae Tropical Hard Wood Baluster Tipstaff / Truncheon With Hand Painted Decoration Crown V.R. (Victoria Regina) Royal Cypher & Boar’s Head Arms & Initials ‘AH’ Antique & Militaria

1868 Victorian British Lignum Vitae Tropical Hard Wood Baluster Tipstaff / Truncheon With Hand Painted Decoration Crown V.R. (Victoria Regina) Royal Cypher & Boar’s Head Arms & Initials ‘AH’ . Sn 20562 - 20562

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 Victorian Police Tip Staff / Truncheon with original hand painted decoration. The Baluster shape shaft is made of heavy Lignum Vitae Tropical Hard Wood, tapered and shaped for grip. The staff measures 19 ¼” length. The painted decoration in the top section features a Crown and Royal Cypher ‘V.R’ (Victoria Regina), together with ‘Boar’s head’ heraldic arms and ‘1868’ date. The rear of the staff has initials ‘AH’ in gold (most likely a Police Constabulary Division or County designation). The top edge of the staff has a gold and black band. All of the staff’s colourful decoration is vivid. The lower section of the staff is grooved for grip. The price for this tipstaff worthy of further research regarding the markings includes UK delivery. Sn 20562

£395.00