Original Item: Only One Available. Now this is a lovely example of a late Victorian era police “Bobby” billy club truncheon. The club itself is a beautiful octagonal shape with a Fleur de Lis / floral pattern on each of its many sides. It does have a beautiful matured look to it with signs of use but is presented without any extensive damage.
In the Victorian era, police in London carried truncheons about one foot long called billy clubs. According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, this name was first recorded in 1848 as slang for a burglars’ crowbar. The meaning “policeman’s club” was first recorded in 1856. The truncheon acted as the policeman’s ‘Warrant Card’ as the Royal Crest attached to it indicated the policeman’s authority. This was always removed when the equipment left official service (often with the person who used it).
The Victorian original has since developed into the several varieties available today. The typical truncheon is a straight stick made from wood or a synthetic material, approximately 32 mm (1+1⁄4 in) in diameter and 460–910 mm (18–36 in) long, with a fluted handle to aid in gripping. This one is approximately 23 Inches in length. Truncheons are often ornamented with their organizations’ coats of arms. Longer truncheons are called “riot batons” because of their use in riot control. Truncheons probably developed as a marriage between the club or military mace and the staff of office/scepter.
Comes more than ready for further research and display.