An early Victorian polychrome-painted and parcel gilt truncheon, made for Edward Edwards, High Constable of the Hundred of Whalesbone, dated 1843


Painted with the Royal Arms within the garter, above the coat of arms of the Hundred of Whalesbone, and the inscription '1843 / EDWD EDWARDS' with the arms of the Neville Earls of Abergavenny, the handle ribbed, 46.5cm high, together with The Policeman's Lot: Antique British Police Equipment including Truncheons & Tipstaves, by M. Mitton (1985), (2)
|By 1801, the Hundred of Whalesbone in Sussex was made up of the two parishes of Brighton and West Blatchington. The High Constableship of the Hundred was a ceremonial honour, by the 19th century bestowed by the justices upon the vestry's recommendation. His duties were numerous, concerned with maintaining law and order and managing parochial affairs with the church-wardens, and for many years the appointment was considered to be an onerous burden; after incorporation in 1854 the duties consisted simply of compiling a jury list, however. The last high constable was James Martin, who was appointed on 10 April 1855 and remained in office for nearly twenty years. The constable's staff of 1828 may be seen in Brighton Museum.On 11 September 2007, Christie's sold the truncheon of Edward Edwards' successor, James Patch, who held the office in 1844 [Sale 5195, Lot 154, £1,375].