Hello Folks -

Thank you for allowing me to participate in your forum. My general collecting area is militaria from the Great War period. However, as with most collectors, it tends to bend a bit. :eek:

Following is a photo of two Irish Clubs that were found in the attic of a Boston Home, where a few generations ago there was a Police Officer in the BPD.

One is, of course, a private purchase Bog Oak Billy Club as was used by Irish Police Officers in the last half of the 19th Century. I believe the other has a similar origin, but have never seen a similar example. I wondered if anyone would have any thoughts on it?

It is quite the 'nasty' club and I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end. Shows a great deal of age and is surprisingly light weight. Length is 14"s.

Any thoughts appreciated!

- Mike

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Two Irish Clubs found in the attic of a Boston Home. [ Download ]

Mike, welcome to the site and I really like these clubs each for it's how reasons: A sculptured and worked on club can be great art but a natural club is also something that reaches deeply into my aesthetic sense and I love walking sticks and have made quite a few myself.

It doesn't hurt that I also have taken quarterstaff classes for a couple of years ( Jeu de la hache related in the way it was thought by my longsword group unfortunately disbanded ..... sigh :( ).


Beautiful wood grain and texture is so very much sensual and a visual pleasure and that is one of the reasons why I like walking sticks as well as being nice to have for long long walks.

I tend to like the walking stick length clubs because, unless they are outrageously massive or aggressive looking, one can use them every day as walking sticks: That said these shorter sticks are very nice. :D :cool:

When I was an LEO in the mid 60s, we carried the "old night stick" ( & trained to use effectively) sim .to the 1st pic but with out carving. Also had a 36" riot stick in the trunk.

Still carry a "staff" or a "cane" most of the time ( although I am also "armed".

Jack