This would have been carried by the mid-Victorian Provost Staff Corps, ancestors of the Royal Military Police of today. The warrant card was the next step for both civil and military police in the UK, introduced c 1890. This piece is marked 'WD/ broad arrow' on the base along with 'Parker Field & Sons // London' - all stamped in.
Tipstaves were carried as a mark of authority by many different forms of constabulary from the time of Charles II in the 1660s. The touch on the shoulder of this staff indicated to an arrested person that he or she had been formally apprehended and should not try to leg it!
There is some minor bruising to the piece throughout, a little more severe on the top of the orb and cross element. The ebony grip is in excellent shape and I have taken the liberty of giving this a gentle clean. It measures 18 cm long x 2 cm diameter across the base.
If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.
[Militaria : Tipstaffs Truncheons : British : 19th Century]
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