Portraiture On Truncheons

Any truncheon bearing the portrait of an individual is rare.

Dicken suggested in his book that portraiture might be a characteristic of old inn truncheons. Whilst this may be true very few examples of known inn truncheons exist to prove this. He lists two in his book. The first for the King's Head in Hampstead and the second for the Coach and Horses in Windsor.

With regard to the first example this could well be a portrait of the innkeeper. However Dicken states that others believe it to be an image of the King. Through recent research I have conducted based on other truncheons in my collection I believe that Dicken's assertions with regard to the second truncheon are wrong. Whilst the piece may well have belonged to the owner of an inn it is in fact a truncheon for the Borough of Maidenhead. The portrait being the seal of the borough and not a portrait of the innkeeper.

In nearly all other cases where I have seen portraiture on truncheons they normally represent images of crests rather than individuals.

Inn Truncheon This striking example bears a fine portrait of a military figure. Unfortunately damage has occurred in the centre of the face making the features difficult to distinguish. The portrait was obviously someone important as he is wearing the sash of the Order of the Garter. This is the highest honour that can be bestowed on an individual. I do not believe this is a portrait of the King, but might be of the Duke of Wellington. It is worth noting how the portrait is of superior quality to the rest of the decoration and is well executed. The overall size of the piece makes me feel that this was not meant for general police duties and could well have been an inn truncheon.

Penryn Square headed Cornish style truncheon with a plain handle. This piece is both rare and interesting having a portrait of a male. This is not however an image of the owner, but rather that of the Borough of Penryn which is represented by a man's head. See the Cornwall section for further information and pictures of this truncheon.