Mike McLellan

Beautiful display, Dave! I’m afraid that my collection has become overrun with clutter; like weeds in an unkempt garden. Very nice job. Mike

As always, a great narrative. Thanks for sharing. Mike

Very impressive display. Can’t wait to see what eventually lands in that upper right corner! Beautiful collection. Mike

I read, years ago, that for the Metropolitan Police, in the early days, the justification for the low pay for police officers was the expectation that the hardest working officers would be able to supplement their incomes with rewards or gratuities from grateful citizens, for the return of stolen property, extraordinary security, or other crime deterring practices. This was the practice in earlier attempts at policing London, but was also a cause of fairly wide spread corruption among the thief-takers and hireling constables of that era. I have to presume that, under the watchful eye of Richard Mayne, a formal procedure of accepting and distributing these emoluments would be strictly adhered to. Attached is a copy of a typical page of Metropolitan Police daily orders. Can anyone explain how the system of gratuity disbursement actually worked? The orders do not name officers involved. Also, can anyone shed any light on the steps leading up to the decision to end the practice altogether? Was there any wide-spread corruption? Jealousy among officers who didn't get a share? or criticism from the public? Any information or opinions would be much appreciated. Thanks, Mike Or... is this document referring to something entirely different?

Very nice staff. I don’t think you should rule out the possibility that it may have been the staff of a city magistrate or other high ranking official. The beautifully painted urn with lilies suggests that the owner was a man of importance, rather than merely a “ground pounding” constable. Quite beautiful. Mike

Are you sure those aren’t earrings?

Hi Jan. This is a fairly common medal that appears quite regularly on the auction sites. The trick is to find one with P.C. P Mangan S DIV engraved on the rim. Chances are good that it’s out there somewhere. Searching or advertising for the medal on sites like this or with other medal enthusiasts organizations might help you find your family heirloom, but may cause the price to zoom up into the “much sought after” category. It”ll be worth it, though, to return it to the family. Good luck and let us know if you find it. Mike.

Hello Mark. It’s a beautiful piece, but let me add a word of caution. Short of a forensic analysis of the paint, it’s not possible to positively declare a painted truncheon “authentic” or even less than authentic. Most of us have been deceived at one time or another, and it’s often quite embarrassing. Whether a particular piece has been altered, re-painted, touched up, or otherwise enhanced is always food for thought. Even if a truncheon has been “doctored”, it still might be legitimate if the changes were made by the issuing agency or the user/owner. In short, it’s anyone’s guess. Again, it’s a beautiful piece and created by a very skillful artisan. Mike.

What a beautiful old piece! I have to wonder, though, why anyone would cut that notch in such a conspicuous place. Even if it were for carbon dating or other molecular testing, a more discreet chunk of material could be had. The wooden part is as well preserved as could be expected, and together, they make an exciting bit of history, with or without the “story”. Mike

Hello and welcome to the forum. Your truncheons do indeed represent a puzzle. The one on top is fashioned in the style of early 20th century Hiatt truncheons, while the lower one is not as easily recognizable. Both appear too short to be issued to regular coppers, at least until recently, and both have been either newly manufactured or refinished by the same person and, apparently, at the same time. An old truncheon, even if it spent the last 200 years in somenody’s underwear drawer, would show at least some wear on the ends. I may be guessing beyond my expertise level, but I think that the stamps do not indicate any official connection. If nothing else, they are both attractive pieces, but of limited historical significance. Now, with a bit of luck, one of the real experts will have some better news for you. Mike

Thanks for the additional insight. And thanks also to J. H. F. Kemp for compiling all of that information for our benefit. If it weren’t for the efforts of historians such as you, Mr. Kemp, and a few others around here, our collections might seem like shiney curiosities without much meaning. As an afterthought; bravo to GMIC for offering a comfortable quorum for the historians, researchers, and experts to mingle and exchange information for the benefit of students, like me. Mike.

Well, this certainly offers a new perspective on the possible range of medal recipients. I wonder if Mr. Carpenter was merely on duty during the celebrations or was he actually a participant in the parades? And if so, in what capacity? Crowd control, logistics, etc.? I am also forced to wonder what other professionals were included as possible recipients, such as farriers, caterers, and so on, not to mention those hardy lads with the rakes and shovels following the horses. Seriously though, some criteria had to have been adhered to in the dispensing of medals. Fascinating stuff. Thanks for posting. Mike.

Is there a maker’s name stamped on the heel end? The shape resembles a Parker, Field truncheon but the painted decorations do not. The painting, while clearly the hand of an accomplished artist, suggests a much more garish style than a typical Parker Field example, particularly the crown. Quite a beautiful one-of-a-kind piece.

Perhaps forfeiture of part, or all, of his pension might teach him the importance of providing truthful answers on official documents! Larceny indeed!

Very nice. The dramatic lighting helps to accent the features too.