Can anyone tell me what this is? - it's a tipstaff, thank you Ipcress

[Vickoh]

Hello, I have come across this item and have no idea what it is. The top (crown shape) has lead within it which makes it very heavy. On one side it is engraved with a coat of arms and the other side lll G R. I'm not sure what the handle is made of, possibly mahogany and in total the whole thing is about 6 inches long.  It would be great to find out what it is.

[Dogaman]

Could it be a Catholic aspergil? Holy Water sprinkler?

The second pic shows an etching, which seems to have an "R" to right side. What's on the other?  Could we get full pics of both etchings?

[Vickoh]

It has lll G R which I thought could stand for George Regina lll ?? The coat of arms isn't clear though.

Thanks for your idea's I will research them. 

[mart]

Something tells me that lead is not original to the piece !!

[Vickoh]

Thanks for your reply. I have no idea if the lead is original and can't figure out why it would be there in the first place. I have taken a closer picture

[bigwull]

might be an up market Priest....or even a Royal one....y,know..for clubbing the pare wee fish on its nut....

[Vickoh]

Hi thank you for your reply. That was my first thoughts about it I just wasn't sure if it was too decorative for that purpose.

Hope it's a bit more exciting than a fish batterer !! Lol

[bigwull]

well we know one thing..the business end is weighted,..but whether it was weighted from when it was made,or was it done later?...does it come apart...i.e. threaded,at where the wood meets the metal...my other thought was ..something to do with sealing wax...

[Vickoh]

I think the lead looks out of place ... so possibly added at some point. The handle feels securely attached but I have no experience with antiques so cannot tell if this was added later. I have thought maybe a wax press but can't really work out how it would leave a seal mark so I'm putting that idea to one side for the moment. Your suggestions are great though. I've also thought it may be a gavel .... But can't find a similar design anywhere ??

[Dogaman]

To my mind, the lead was probably added as an interior support when the delicate parts of the crown started to break. 

[Vickoh]

Yes maybe your right .... 1 am  here so I suppose I should get some sleep. Il be sure to let you know if I discover what it is and thanks guys for your ideas xx

[mart]

KC might have an idea on this !!

[KC]

Hi!  My first thought was an aspergillium as well.

But the more I have looked at it (closer up)...does it look as if the handle is original?  The reason I ask..is because the top of the banner poles that they carry in ceremony looks alot like the crown section as well. 

Have to say, I first thought of Wullie and a post he made a while back with a club-like item!!

[cogar]

Are you sure that is lead?

[Vickoh]

Hello all.

I've added a couple of closer pics.
The handle looks as if it is secured by a pin and is firmly attached. Also I'm sure it is lead.
Thanks for the replies !