Large Victorian Wood Baluster Tipstaff Truncheon with Hand Painted Decoration Crown VR Royal Cypher. 20609. Large Victorian Wood Baluster Tipstaff Truncheon with Hand Painted Decoration Crown VR Royal Cypher. 20609.

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 of the Police constabulary/ watchman or magistrate with original hand painted decoration. The Baluster shape shaft is made of ebonised wood, tapered and shaped for grip. The staff measures 17 ½” in length. The painted decoration in the top section features a Crown and Royal Cypher ‘VR’ (Victoria Regina) together with an ornately written ’F.P.O’ (unknown). The staff has a ribbed grip. All of the staff’s colourful decoration is vivid. The price includes UK delivery. Sn 20609.