Original Item: What we know as the British Bobby (policeman) was actually created by the early Victorian Prime Minister Robert Peel (1788-1850). Initially they were known as “Peelers” but the term “Bobby” being short for Robert was soon part of the language. Here we have original British Police Truncheons (short night-sticks) well made from wood with a finger grooved hilt and leather wrist strap complete in an original dated black leather belt carrier.
First introduced during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901) these carriers were in use up until the late 1960s. Thereafter, truncheons were carried in a special long pocket of the uniform trousers. For more than a century and a half, the only weapon a Bobby carried was his truncheon, sadly with modern times and the rise of terrorism; firearms are now additionally issued to nearly all British police units.
These very scarce leather belt carriers are made of heavy gauge quality black leather and are maker stamped on the rear belt loop. Traditionally made by “Hobsons and Sons of London” a company in founded in 1850 and still in existence today. These truncheons with carriers are truly a reminder of more peaceful times when the law was truly represented by the lone “Bobby on the Beat”. Dates and markings vary, most dates range within the 1950s &1960s.
Specifications (all measurements are approximate and may vary):
Truncheon:
Length 14.5
Width: 1.25
Truncheon Carrier:
Length: 14.75 (closed)
Width: 1.875