English Georgian ‘Elephant & Castle’ (London) Ebonised Wood Baluster Tipstaff / Truncheon With Hand Painted Decoration Crown GR Royal Cypher & Elephant and Castle (Howdah) Devices Antique & Militaria

English Georgian ‘Elephant & Castle’ (London) Ebonised Wood Baluster Tipstaff / Truncheon With Hand Painted Decoration Crown GR Royal Cypher & Elephant and Castle (Howdah) Devices. Sn 20572 - 20572

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. Elephant and Castle is an area of south London, England, in the London Borough of Southwark. The name also informally refers to much of Walworth and Newington. The name of the area is derived from a local coaching inn. "Elephant and Castle, Newington" first recorded in 1765. The landlord may have been aligning the tavern with the Worshipful Company of Cutlers; the guild responsible for regulating the manufacture of weapons and cutlery who, for many years, incorporated ivory into the handles of their wares- hence their coat of arms bearing the Elephant and Castle (howdah) icon. This is an excellent original Georgian Police Tip Staff / Truncheon of the Police constabulary/ watchman or magistrate of the Elephant & castle area with original hand painted decoration. The Baluster shape shaft is made of ebonised wood, tapered and shaped for grip. The staff measures 15” length. The painted decoration in the top section features a Crown and Royal Cypher ‘GR’ (George rex) together with colourful & Elephant and Castle (Howdah) Device and wreath. The staff has ribbed grip and holed for wrist strap. All of the staff’s colourful decoration is vivid. The price includes UK delivery. Sn 20572

£375.00