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

[bigwull]

looking at these latest pics ....that lead/solder,has been added at a later date...its been done very crudely...i still don,t know what its original purpose was...but i,m sticking with what i said earlier...about it being used as a Priest,....coupled with the fact that the wooden handle would fit nicely in your palm,

[Ipcress]

Looks like a George III tipstaff / tipstave. Very collectable. Might be a lignum vitae handle.

[Vickoh]

Thanks Ipcress, what are your thoughts about the lead within the crown ??

[Ipcress]

Put there to help the brass retain shape ?

Hopefully you can see the image below  on one without the lead

[Vickoh]

Yes I can see the picture. That is brilliant thank you

[KC]

Ipcress you did it again!  Totally agree this was used by THE TIPSTAFF and is called a TIPSTAVE after reading and seeing MANY of them!!!  They were originally used by police and later courtsmen!

This would be much more collectible than an aspergillium...

Again, where did you get this?  I understand the reasoning for the lead...but that would devalue the piece being authentic.  AND the question is how would you get it out without ruining the piece?

This is an interesting read on one collector's take on them!  It says the really old ones unscrew so the warrant for arrest could be put in them! 
http://www.policeguide.com/britpol.htm

[mart]

Since lead is soft and melts pretty easily I would try putting it crown down in some boiling water !! Maybe hit the thrift store for a small saucepan that you can discard afterward !!

[KC]

Guess this would qualify for the old saying to "get the lead out", huh, Mart?  LOL

[Vickoh]

Hi, I am delighted to find out what it is.

It was a Christmas gift for my husband from my mother. My step dad was in business doing house clearance/antiques etc, she knows my husband like unusual things and basically she found it in a desk, but my mum had no clue what it was.

I've told her that we have now found out what it is and she is also really pleased.

As for the value and if the lead can be removed I guess I will spend a bit of time researching if it's possible or not.
I really do appreciate everyone's input, it's been great fun!!! Thank You !!! Victoria

[KC]

At the end of that article I put on my previous post there is an email address...if it is still current I wouldn't doubt they might help you out with this BEFORE you do any lead melting.  If you notice...on some of those in her article the crowns have "something" inside them as well...but doesn't look like lead!

[mart]

Guess this would qualify for the old saying to "get the lead out", huh, Mart?  LOL

Indeed KC !! Although we usually are talking about a different area !!

[Vickoh]

Yes I don't think I'll try any lead melting myself !

[bigwull]

Since lead is soft and melts pretty easily I would try putting it crown down in some boiling water !! Maybe hit the thrift store for a small saucepan that you can discard afterward !!

You can boil as much water as you want,but it,ll never melt lead,....not today not ever,..Boiling water.. ....Think about it....

[KC]

Might be able to find one much cheaper or at a library
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Book-BRITISH-POLICE-ANTIQUES-UNIFORM-TRUNCHEON-WHISTLE-TIPSTAVE-More-/161171811289?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item258696abd9

[Vickoh]

Great. Thank you

What do you think it could be worth?