Although it does not carry the Manchester coat of arms, this boxwood tipstaff is almost certainly from the city or area. Because it has GR IV on one side, it can be firmly dated to George IV's reign. It would have been carried by a commissioned police officer in order to identify himself in pursuit of his duties.

This is almost certainly an unmarked Parker Field product, made under contract for the Metropolitan Police. These were standardised c 1840 and the design lasted until c 1880 when they were phased out and replaced by the warrant card c 1890. The arresting officer simply touched the crown on the suspect's shoulder - a formal notice of arrest.