RARE**LARGE**C1835-1837 British William IV ‘K. Bucks’ (K Division Or Weights & Measures Area Buckinghamshire) Number ‘7’ (Constable’s Collar Number) Walnut Tipstaff / Early Police Truncheon With Hand Painted Decoration. Sn 20889 Antiques & Militaria

**RARE**LARGE**C1835-1837 British William IV ‘K. Bucks’ (K Division Or Weights & Measures Area Buckinghamshire) Number ‘7’ (Constable’s Collar Number) Walnut Tipstaff / Early Police Truncheon With Hand Painted Decoration. Sn 20889 - 20889

The ancient English boroughs of Buckingham and High Wycombe (also known as Chepping Wycombe) became municipal boroughs in 1835. Shortly afterwards borough police forces were established. These early Police forces were also responsible for the inspection of weights and measures. William IV (William Henry; 21 August 1765 – 20 June 1837) was King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and King of Hanover from 26 June 1830 until his death in 1837. 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. This is an excellent original and rare to find William IV Tipstaff Truncheon made between C1835 when the Buckingham Police were formed and 1837 when King William IV died. The body is made of hand painted ebonised walnut (it is rare to find these tipstaffs made of walnut). The staff measures a large 24” length. It has colourful original hand painted decoration featuring a Crown and Royal Cypher ‘IVWR’ (William IV Rex). The shaft also has hand painted ‘K. Bucks’ (most likely K Division or Weights & Measures area Buckinghamshire) All of the staff’s colours are vivid. The grip has period hand carved number ‘7’ most likely a constable’s collar number & is holed for wrist strap. The price for this attractive tipstaff worthy of further research includes UK delivery. Sn 20889

£695.00