Special Constable Truncheons

Torquay Bread Riots At first sight these two examples look rather plain and uninteresting. However they come from a time in the nineteenth century of poverty and riots. It is believed these were produced for the 'Torquay Bread Riots' of 1847. During this year riots occurred across the south west of England due to bad harvests, which sent the cost of wheat soaring to double the normal price. Rumours spread that the cost of bread was going to become so great that it would be unaffordable to the working man. The disturbances started in Redruth and spread to Wadebridge, Exeter, Delabole, and Torquay. Literally hundreds of special constables were sworn in to deal with protestors. At times things were so bad the army and coast guard were also used.

In his book Dicken describes that men were divided into detachments of thirty specials each under the command of a leader and two subalterns. The letter on the truncheon denotes the detachment and the numbers range from one to thirty. Note should also be taken of the shape of the handle and the fact that the hole to take a leather strap was at the junction with the body and not at the end where normally found.

The example shown here numbered B30 is ex the Dicken collection and was used to illustrate his book. Apparently at some stage in its history the number has been changed which again was noted by Dicken. (This can be more clearly seen in the larger picture).

Special Constable Victorian special constable's truncheon decorated with a crown over a 'VR' cipher and a cartouche containing the inscription 'Special Constable'. Stamped in the end of the handle with the company name Parker, 233 Holborn.

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