Baldwin's of St. James's
Auction 37 25 Sep 2019
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Greenwich, London: a Regency period brass Admiralty oar tipstaff, with detachable crown finial and shaped base 'knob', the latter revealing the blade of an oar, the cylindrical barrel engraved with Royal Arms and 'John Farmer Greenwich 1817', 127mm., in excellent order, extremely rare, especially in commerce
This piece lacks the fouled anchor that would represent an official Admiralty association however, if not, its purpose would be much the same. Officials such as harbour masters, portreeves or port wardens, water bailiffs and constables, when in possession of an 'admiralty oar' were granted extended powers to board, search and in some instances seize vessels that came within their area of jurisdiction. The orb on the crown can also be removed to allow it to be swapped over and the oar screwed into a vertical position.
(300-500 GBP)
This piece lacks the fouled anchor that would represent an official Admiralty association however, if not, its purpose would be much the same. Officials such as harbour masters, portreeves or port wardens, water bailiffs and constables, when in possession of an 'admiralty oar' were granted extended powers to board, search and in some instances seize vessels that came within their area of jurisdiction. The orb on the crown can also be removed to allow it to be swapped over and the oar screwed into a vertical position.
(300-500 GBP)