1738-1820 British George III Hand Painted Police Constabulary Ebonised Wood Tip Staff / Truncheon Miscellaneous

1738-1820 British George III Hand Painted Police Constabulary Ebonised Wood Tip Staff / Truncheon. Sn 19733 - 19733

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 would also bear symbols of their authority. Modern Police Truncheons originated from these Tipstaffs. This is an original George III Police Tipstaff / Truncheon (George III (George William Frederick; 4 June 1738 – 29 January 1820) was King of Great Britain and of Ireland from 25 October 1760 until the union of the two kingdoms on 1 January 1801, after which he was King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland until his death in 1820). The staff measures 16 ¼” overall length. The ebonised wood has colourful painted decoration. The main body of the staff has colourful ‘Crown & Royal cypher ‘GR III’ (George III Rex). The staff also has gold bands, red top and butt. The grip is holed for wrist strap. The wood is impressed ‘II’ near to the wrist strap hole, most likely a Constable or weapon number. The price includes UK delivery. Sn 19733

£345.00