A GEORGE IV PAINTED WOOD SPECIAL CONSTABLE'S TRUNCHEON painted predominately in gold and red with c

A GEORGE IV PAINTED WOOD SPECIAL CONSTABLE'S TRUNCHEON painted predominately in gold and red with crown, GIVR, crossed palms and MANSFIELD 99, 38cmThe high number 99 indicates a Special Constable. They were first introduced in Mansfield in about 1817, almost certainly as a response to an increase in crime and lack of employment as a result of soldiers returning from the Napoleonic wars. The Mansfield Improvement Act of June 1823 empowered commissioners to employ and arm "Watchmen" and "Specials".