Rare Detective's Tipstaff

[Mervyn Mitton]

For our Scottish police friends - a rare one from Glasgow. Dating from the (approx.) 1850's this small tipstaff was carried by an officer in the early Glasgow Detectives Office. Only about 5" inches long, it was intended to be held in a waistcoat pocket - when needed he would just take it out and hold at arm's length (the Tipstaff!!!). I have another version using a short malacca piece of cane - whereas this one is ebony. I will show two further pictures.

Mervyn

[Mervyn Mitton]

[Mervyn Mitton]

D.O. - stood for Detective Office . D5 - either the individual detective - or, one of a set number which could have been issued as necessary.

Mervyn

[Robin Lumsden]

Nice to see.

In the old days, detectives also carried very short truncheons.....................no truncheon pocket in civvies!

[Chris Boonzaier]

Ahhhh.... the Jocks... figured they could save a few shilling if they made the Tipstaff cheaper did they ? ;-)

[Robin Lumsden]

Ahhhh.... the Jocks... figured they could save a few shilling if they made the Tipstaff cheaper did they ? ;-)

The best things come in small packages!

(With one exception).

[Cassius]

Oh wow, I just recently found-out about tipstaffs though VictorianLondon and I found this while doing a Google search.

Just wanted to say thank-you for sharing :}

Edited February 17, 2011 by Cassius

[Mervyn Mitton]

Cassius - welcome to the Forum. Please re-assure us that your avatar is not a self portrait ? Are you in any way connected with police ?