Tag Archives: wooden police truncheon

The Allure of the Traditional British-Style Wooden Police Truncheon

The wooden police truncheon, often referred to as a “Bobby’s truncheon,” carries a rich history and multifaceted appeal that goes beyond its original function as a weapon. These traditional British-style truncheons, whether original or expertly reproduced, captivate the imaginations of collectors, theatre groups, and even police forces seeking retirement gifts for officers. In this article,… Read More »

Wooden Police Truncheons: A Nostalgic Symbol of Tradition and Heritage

In the realm of law enforcement, the British wooden police truncheon holds a unique place in history. Once a formidable tool used by British police officers to maintain law and order, these traditional batons have now become sought-after collectibles. In this article, we look at some of the reasons why people are drawn to these… Read More »

Truncheon: End of the Road for the Truncheon (1994 Archive)

This article on the end of the police truncheon first appeared in the Independent on the 18th May 1994. Howard signals end of the road for truncheon: The Police Federation annual conference. The Home Secretary, Michael Howard, yesterday signalled the death of one of the enduring symbols of the British bobby – the truncheon. He… Read More »

When Did the Police Stop Using Wooden Truncheons?

When did the police stop using wooden truncheons? This is one of those questions that some people hadn’t noticed that they don’t anymore. They also don’t wear the tall helmets anymore. Until the mid-1990s, British police officers carried traditional wooden truncheons of a sort that had changed little from Victorian times. Until the mid-1990s, most British police… Read More »

A Truncheon for Self-Defence in the UK – Is It Legal?

Using a truncheon for self-defence in the UK is another one of those subjects that isn’t entirely black and white. It is very much situation dependent. Dependent on if your truncheon could be proved to be an offensive weapon in the specific circumstances. Dependent on your intent and where you were when you used it… Read More »

1804 Antique Police Truncheon Found in the Roof of Staffordshire Farm

This article about an antique police truncheon first appeared in the Antiques Trade Gazette. A very early antique police truncheon up at auction on July 25 was more about the short arm of the law than long. The village constable’s staff of office made in 1804 is just 7in (18cm) long. It was found in… Read More »

Is It Legal to Carry a Wooden Truncheon in the UK?

Is it legal to carry a wooden truncheon in the UK? Is a wooden truncheon an offensive weapon? [Editorial note: this article was written in 2021, please read it in conjunction with >this article< from 2023 which cites amendments.] These are questions that crop up from time to time and the answer is not black… Read More »

What Type of Wood Are Police Truncheons Made From?

What type of wood are police truncheons made from? We are often asked what type of wood old British police truncheons were made from. As there were quite a few manufacturers of police truncheons, and they were made for the police for well over a hundred years, there isn’t a single answer. They are almost… Read More »

All About Wooden Police Truncheons

The traditional police truncheon. The British police used the classic-design wooden truncheons for a very long time. They don’t use this traditional type any more. Not since the mid-1990s. Before the days of handguns or stun guns, all police officers had to defend themselves with were wooden truncheons. The truncheon could be used to “strike,… Read More »