depdogcov

Hi, Can anyone confirm for me did WW2 SAAF aerial photographers wear a SAAF half brevet or an RAF one? I have been told that the SAAF one was difficult to obtain so the RAF half brevet was used instead. If so which one would have been used as I don’t think there was a direct equivalent? Many thanks, Paul

Having looked at the photo's with the listing on ebay there is clearly something missing from the clenched fist. This section reminds me of the handle seen on certain types of Victorian safes and paperweights. I just happen to have one. I always wondered what the hand was holding. It could I suppose be a tipstaff? In the case of a safe that could represent strength and security. As for the paperweight, well that keeps your papers safe? My guess regarding the tipstaff is that it is a made up piece. I have now put my head on the block and am waiting for Mervyn to chop it off!

Thank you once again Mervyn. I think you could well be correct about the handle on the first one, it does rather resemble something which would be more at home on a Victorian trivet or dustpan! Having investigated further there is a short hollow tube with a diameter of 5 mm within the hollow shaft. This starts at the bottom of the the lower brass ring and extends upwards for about 3.5 cm. The end of the handle is sandwiched between this and the outer ring. The handle is hollow for about two thirds of its length. It also has a small flat section on the outside which could have been the result of the tipstaff resting over time on a flat surface but surely due to its shape it wouldn't always have been put down the same way?

Many thanks Mervyn, you have been really helpful! I bought the tipstaff in May 2011 for £240 on ebay. Although this probably isn't the correct forum I thought I would add a few more photo's of four other tipstaves I have. I would be interested to know more about them so that's my justification for listing here! Regards, Paul The first one has nothing engraved on the shaft. The second one (which I thought was made by Parker and Field but does not have their name on it) is inscribed "B3". Is this Chelsea? The third one is inscribed "C.21 6.W. (this could be "C.2/ 6.W.) I think this is probably the earliest and I would dearly like to know more about it! Number four has brass end bands (not caps) with the inscription "2d. District. No. 60" at one end and "Mid. Ward OF Lanarkshire." at the other end. This I thought was a steal last year at £25!

Thanks for your interest Brian. Having thrown caution to the wind the leather covering has been removed. Much to my relief the brass underneath is in perfect condition and in fact there are still traces of the gilt finish. The shaft is plain except for three narrow engraved bands. So now I am left with two questions: 1) Why did someone feel it necessary to cover the shaft with leather? 2) Who would it have been used by originally? Both questions are probably impossible to answer!

Thanks for the reply Mervyn. Sadly I fear you will be disappointed when I explain 'depdogcov'. It is my username on a well known commercial buying and selling site and when I joined I was a deputy headteacher in a school in Coventry. Any illusion of romance or excitement has now been shattered! I must just say I recently got my hands on a copy of "The Policeman's Lot" and what a fine book it is! Back to the tipstaff. It's proportions are very similar to the standard "Parker and Field" tipstaff and is 8 inches long. The shaft is hollow along its full length from just below the crown. The detail on the crown and the end cap is still really crisp and traces of the original gilt finish are especially clear on the cap. I have attached a couple of extra pics but apologise in advance for their lack of clarity. I have had a look inside the shaft and cannot see any damage. I am itching to take the leather covering off. Who knows what sins it may be covering up!http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_06_2013/post-7582-0-93782700-1370281992.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_06_2013/post-7582-0-92833300-1370282028.jpg

Help required. I have had this tipstaff for a while but am unsure whether the leather covering the shaft should actually be there or not? The tipstaff is of all brass construction and the leather is fairly new and has been glued to the shaft. The two sides meet to form a simple join with no stitching etc. I have been unable to find any other examples of this type and can't help feeling that the shaft should not be covered. Any and all opinions would be most welcome!