Chowkidar Lathi - the Watchman's stick

[SidJ]

Here is a rare thing that was once a familiar sight and sound in the Sub Continent. A Chowkidar or Watchman's stick. This one is quite fancy and has Bengali script on it.
150 cm. Does anyone have any more information on these?

[Rick]

Does it have a shorter English cousin known as a Tipstaff?

[SidJ]

Not sure of english connections but I am told its derived from a lohangi katti. I need to look up that term myself.

[Rick]

I would guess that the brass end of this Watchman's Stick was a symbol of authority as was the English Tipstaff with the depiction of the British crown at one end.

[David R]

Looking at the cogwheel toothed section I would suggest it's also a striking end of some authority... real or symbolic!

[SidJ]

The cog head appears to me to be inspired by the mace like flanges on the Lohangi Katti. In terms of use, both were used for striking and used by village watchmen.