Hi, I recently acquired this baton, it is approx. 15" long, the shaft was painted red with what looks to be the remains of a half moon crescent coat of arms for Portsmouth at the top. There is a number "4" impressed at the base of the shaft. is it possible this is a military baton? Any ideas or help with identification would be appreciated, cheers, Rick
Looks like a standard variation on a C19th civil truncheon to me - especially with the arms. I would expect a military version to be marked appropriately.
It reminds me that a few Pompey pubs in my yoof had very similar decorated batons behind the bar. Well... behind the bar when not being vigorously swung (usually justifiably) in the direction of somebody's swede. The India Arms sprung to mind as soon as seeing that, though I think theirs were white. Seem to recall it's shut now, along with many others.
I have tried looking for old Portsmouth Truncheons but not come up with one the same as yours, but I think it is more likely as stated above, to be a civil Police Truncheon and Victorian ones were elaborately painted. Regards Tom
Before the formal police force, civic authorities could authorise people to enforce the law for them (think movie western deputies and possies) - the truncheons were elaborately marked to reassure you that you were being gone over with a legally sanctioned weapon!
