Antique 19th Century Police Rattle From ‘Bow Street’ For A Constable Higgins ‘Bow Street Runners’?
- FREE UK SHIPPING WITH ALL ORDERS
- INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS PLEASE PROCEED TO CHECKOUT FOR SHIPPING QUOTES
A Very Rare Antique 19th Century Police Rattle From ‘Bow Street’. It Is Faintly Marked To The Back Indicating It Was Once Used By A Constable Higgins. Could This Have Belonged To A ‘Bow Street Runner’…?
The Bow Street Runners were London’s first professional police force and were founded in 1749 by Henry Fielding, a magistrate and novelist. They were named an after the Bow Street Magistrates’ Court in central London.
They were essentially detectives who investigated crimes, arrested criminals, and brought them to justice. They were not uniformed like later police forces. They were paid by the court, unlike modern police officers, they were originally part-time and received fees and rewards for successful arrests and convictions.
They remained active and influential into the early part of the 19th century, just before the full development of the modern police system under Queen Victoria (who came to the throne in 1837). The Runners were disbanded in 1839.
A Rare Survivor!
Condition is good, commensurate with age and use. Structurally sound and functions well. Lovely patina to the wood.
Measures 23cm x 22cm x 3.5cm
Weighs 450 grams