Name/Title
Wooden bludgeon mid 19th centuryEntry/Object ID
883Description
Wooden flail or bludgeon consisting of a handle, with hole drilled for cord strap and a club, joined with metal loops secured to each piece with metal collars. Length 54 cm. No marksUse
For use as a weapon but not by policeContext
A flail consisting of two parts like this is known as a bludgeon. They and other club type weapons were common throughout the 19th century for use by both the general public and criminals alike. Occasionally they may have been used by some public officials. They were not intended for uniform police use, as officers were issued with officially made truncheons, which were often decorated and acted as their badge of office.
This is probably dates to the mid 19th century