1800's Police Baton
Item #: AA3196
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This is an 1800's police baton, also known as a "billy club". These non lethal weapons have been known by other names, night stick, baton, mace, truncheon, but none is more popular than the "billy club". Folklore has it that it got the name for the slang word for a crowbar. A 'billy club" is what burglars called their prying tool of choice, most often a crowbar. The billy club was used almost exclusively by the first London police department formed in 1829. Prime Minister Robert Peel wanted the public to be "policed by consent", and decided to equip his officers with these short wooden weapons only, no firearms. It wasn't long before the club became popular with police departments in the United States. Officers were trained to use the stick in non lethal ways. They were taught to strike certain nerve clusters and bony areas of the body to submit a suspect, avoiding permanent injury when possible. This billy club measures 13 1/2" in length and 1 3/4" across the large end. I'm not 100% sure, but I think this one is made of oak. It is not as heavy as the first one I listed. The length of this one indicates it was meant for close quarters use. If you have an early police collection this thing needs to be in it!
Shipping Weight:
2 lbs
Item # AA3196
Your Price $60.00 USD
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