Original Item: Only One Available. Traditionally carried by Victorian Police or Officer’s of the Court in a small leather belt pouch, a “tipstaff” (or tipstave) was really a sign of Office or Authority. The term was also used to refer to the officer themself. They were in reality small clubs often made of wood and metal or as in this case they could be an all-iron 7 inch long baton. This example is topped with a casting of the Royal Crown surmounted by a Cross, and has a ribbed body engraved with the information about the office:
POLICE OFFICE
GT. MARLBRO ST.
(Queen’s Crown)
V
It is also marked A / 2 above the grip. Today the tipstaff has basically been replaced with what today we call a “Warrant Card” in England. Great Marlborough Street is a thoroughfare in Soho, Central London. It runs east of Regent Street past Carnaby Street towards Noel Street.
Despite its relatively small size, it is quite heavy and could easily have been pressed into service as a persuader. Probably dating to the 1870s or 1880s. Certainly this is an original issued example and not an upmarket ceremonial edition.
The Real thing. Ready to display.