Oak truncheon

Oak truncheon painted in colours on a black background with the royal coat of arms 1801-16 with a king's crown and G. III R. above. A second coat of arms is placed below (a white cross overall with a small bird in each quarter). It is likely to be that of a local body or parish, possibly Westminster. The handle is plain. The truncheon belonged to Alfred Thomas Rackham (1829-1912) great-grandfather of the donor. After a career as a legal clerk he became Admiralty Marshal. He lived throughout his life in South London.