EDINBURGH SPECIAL CONSTABLES TRUNCHEON

[Mervyn Mitton]

While I'm on a roll (!) I thought I would include this very nice Edinburgh special Constables' truncheon. This would date from the 1850's/60's and they were in support of the regular police. Edinburgh has always had a long tradition of policing and in the 18th and 19th C. they had a volunteer body known as the Edinburgh's High Constables. They were really a group of middle class shop owners who had meetings and officers to run the association (I always think of them as mini-Masons!) however, they were a body of men who could be available at short notice for an emergency. They carried long staves - about 3 feet overall - and these were highly decorated at each end. I will try and get a picture sent from UK - unless any other member has one in their collection?

I have never really eastablished why Edinburgh used the Naval fouled anchor - perhaps someone can help ?

Mervyn

[Jamie770]

Hi Mervyn,

Fantastic truncheon in very good condition - it would be great to see a picture of your High Constables stave.

I've never known why Edinburgh used the fouled anchor either, but I'd always wondered if it was because Edinburgh was so closely connected to the port of Leith (albeit Leith had its own seperate police force until 1920)

[Mervyn Mitton]

Jamie - an old friend from Glamorgan (?) Police - Ross Mather - has just joined and if you look under Collections you will find his web site. He specialises in helmets also and I think it great that the 'plods' are taking over the World !!!

Mervyn

[Mervyn Mitton]

Three Scottish towns - or, cities had High Constables. Edinburgh, Leith and Perth. I am afraid this photo is a little cluttered - many of the pieces have been sold - however, the long staff in the middle - has a gold coloured centre and arms at each end, is for the Perth High Constables. Will try to get a photo for EHC - but, I have to depend on visitors to take photos now - and how do you explain which one of 400/500 you want - especially when you can't remember them clearly !!!

Mervyn

[Jamie770]

Thanks Mervyn,

This is a very interesting picture!

Some very rare items there - it is great to see them.

I have dealt with Ross before - he has a fantastic website which is extremely well put together.

[Mervyn Mitton]

Thankyou. The bottom one is for the County of Essex and has the three swords -or, seaxes, for their proper name, in the bottom cartouche. The truncheon is Georgian - prob. Geo.1V (1820-1830).

Mervyn