VALUABLE HISTORIC TRUNCHEON

[Mervyn Mitton]

This early truncheon dates back to 1841 and was carried by the Quartemaster for the British Government Expedition of that year. Known as the Niger Expedition it was commanded by Captain William Allen R.N. and was carried on board H.M.S. Albert. For the trip up the River there were three iron paddle steamers and a combined strength of 150 Europeans and 150 Africans.

This was - in many ways a political statement - to show the World that we intended to take a leading role in the exploration of Africa - still very much the 'Dark' continent in those days. There were a number of stated reasons for the mission - the first was the inland suppression of slavery. This was very prevalent among the tribes and the captured victims ended up in Southern US States and Sth. America. We also wanted to make contact with the chiefs of the inland tribes to establish our influence and to make a statement to other European countries. Finally, we wanted to explore the Niger River to find the headwaters. The expedition was quite succesful - but in 1842 was struck down by 'fever' (this was probably malaria - although there were a number of other serious ones) and they were withdrawn.

Britain had a large Empire and truncheons and tipstaffs are known from Australia, India, Ceylon,South Africa, Canada and Britain - and they can be named to many different offices - however, I have never heard of one named to an expedition. The arms are the type introduced for Queen Victoria and help date this to 1841. The condition is exceptional for it's age and for the rough areas it has visited - price wise - well in excess of $2500...

Edited September 14, 2009 by Mervyn Mitton

[Mervyn Mitton]

[Mervyn Mitton]

[Mervyn Mitton]

[Mervyn Mitton]

[Mervyn Mitton]

[Brian Wolfe]

What a great piece of history. I would think this is the very definition of "rare". Thanks for posting it Mervyn.

Regards

Brian