1830 Dated British William IV Ash Tipstaff Truncheon With Hand Painted Decoration Including ‘WIVR’ (William IV Rex) & DMW Antiques & Militaria

1830 Dated British William IV Ash Tipstaff Truncheon With Hand Painted Decoration Including ‘WIVR’ (William IV Rex) & DMW. Sn 20529 - 20529

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 also symbols of their authority. Modern Police Truncheons originated from these Tipstaffs. William IV was King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and King of Hanover from 26 June 1830 until his death in 1837. This is an excellent original William IV Tipstaff Truncheon. The body is made of hand painted ash wood. The staff measures 18 ¾” length. It has colourful original hand painted decoration featuring a Crown and Royal Cypher ‘WIVR’ (William IV Rex) Chevrons and roundels within panel & 1830 date below D.M.W. (most likely a Police Constabulary or County area (unknown). All of the staff’s colours are vivid. The grip is holed for wrist strap. The price for this attractive tipstaff worthy of further research regarding the ‘DMW’ mark includes UK delivery. Sn 20529

£745.00