Mervyn Mitton

Hi ,everyone. I'm a new probationer -intoduced myself in The Lounge on Feb.9 , under 'another newbie' . I have been enjoying reading past posts and found two oldish ones I would like to comment-on. HAUPTMAN Jan.20/07 and EDUARDO Nov.4/06 hope you don't think this is too late? Firstly - the rope , with handles, is an early form of handcuff - original use pre-dated metal handcuffs which basically date from the 17th.C. onwards. British ones were usually of rawhide, with wooden handles - the rawhide wouldn't slip like rope - hence the knots. They were always known as 'snitchers' and it is the length that confirms the purpose. Interestingly, garrotting - which originally started in India as a form of worship to a goddess - was carried out using a coin tied in a length of silk. This was thrown round the victim's neck and tightened. The practise had spread to Britain and the first Met.police in 1829 wore a 4inch leather neck band to act as a guard. They wore this to 1845 when it was reduced to 2inches and was not abolished until 1875 - a most hated and uncomfortable piece of equipment but, it kept the tunic collar clean.. My second response is regarding the interesting corres. on tipstaves these are so rare that few people have ever seen one and when researching my book (The Policeman's Lot) we could only find about 2000 in existance. I would be very happy to write posts on any of the following - this would get the early history out for comments. 1.Early British police uniforms; 2.Helmets and headgear; 3. Forms of restraint; 4. Raing the alarm; 5.Police firearms; 6. Police swords; 7.Police lanterns;8. Development of truncheons; 9.What is a tipstaff. These are only suggestions and I await comments. I do hope members won't think I'm 'pushy' - that is not the intention. Best wishes Mervyn Mitton