Name/Title
Undecorated black painted constable's truncheon c1820-1850Entry/Object ID
2323Description
Undecorated black painted truncheon 18 inches (46 cm) long, with groves cut into handle for a grip and one wide grove that may have been intended for a wrist strap. Part of the shaft on one side is flat.Use
For use by a constable as protectionContext
Whilst there are generic styles of truncheons used in the 19th century, there is no such thing as a standard universal type or design. Many truncheons, especially those used by parish constables were locally made to local preferences and were unmarked in any way. Also during times of civil unrest, large numbers of special constables were sworn in and would have been issued with all manner of truncheons and clubs.
This example, without any markings is typical and very difficult to date. It may have been for use by a constable, a parish constable or someone sworn in as a special constable. The design of the handle suggests it may be earlier rather than later. It is not known whether it was used in Sussex or not. The flat side which is painted, supports the fact that it was locally made, and may indicate it was not turned from a large enough piece of wood. If it were damaged it is unlikely it would have paint over this section.