Antique & Militaria

1834 Dated British William IV Public Office Oxford Brass Crown Top Police / Official’s Crown Top Tipstaff With Ebonised Wood Baluster Handle. Sn 23310:2 - 23310:2

Oxford has a long history of public offices dating back to the 12th century, ranging from local municipal governance to ancient royal appointments. The city’s administration has evolved from medieval guilds and royal charters to the modern Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council. 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 and / 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 William IV dated Tipstaff to The Oxford public Office. It measures 7” overall length. The shaft is a hollow brass cylinder with crown top. The shaft is inscribed ‘WR IV (William IV Rex)’ above ‘Public Office Oxford’ & date ‘1834’. The price for this excellent piece of Policing history includes UK delivery. Sn 23310:2

£475