Description: English made tipstaff from York. All silver plated brass with red velvet inside the crown. The tipstaff handle is hollow. The crown unscrews so that the arrest warrant can be placed within it.

History: The name originates from the early law enforcement officers who would apprehend the person intended for arrest by the enforcing, if necessary, their duty with a tipped staff or stave. The staff was made of wood or metal or both, topped with a crown. The crown, which unscrewed, was removed to reveal a warrant of arrest inside the hollow staff. Some staffs were definitely a means of protection and this is where the present day policeman’s truncheon originates. The Tipstaff is the only person authorized to make an arrest within the precincts of the Royal Courts of Justice.

Provenance: Helen & Dr. Roland Kohen, Miami, FL

Dimensions: Weight (Pounds & Ounces) = 1 | Height(in) = 10.5 | Width(in) = 2 | Depth(in) = 1.5

Size of Artwork(in): 10.5 x 2 x 1.5"

Artist Name: unknown

Medium: Silver plated brass.

Circa: Circa 1870

This tipstaff has some polish residue on the crown. 75% of the silver remains intact, the red velvet within the crown is slightly tattered.