Here are four hand painted / decorated truncheons of the former Glamorganshire Constabulary.

They are all from the Victorian period between the 1840's and 1880's. The earliest is the larger of the four.

They all have the Royal Coat of Arms, and a red cartouche bearing the force name 'Glamorganshire Constabulary.

The origins of the painted truncheon date back to the era where policemen / Parish Constable's did not wear a uniform nor have any form of identification, other than the truncheon.

At that time, most of the population was illiterate, with the inability to read or write. Therefore, to show that the holder was acting 'On behalf of the Crown', he was able to show a picture so to speak, with all the details shown on the truncheon.

By the end of the 19th century, the decorating of truncheons had disappeared as the policemen were identifiable by their uniform (and later again, by use of a 'warrant card'.

Highly collectable, and sought by many collectors. The Welsh decorated truncheons are by far the most difficult to find.