Jitte, Edo period

[kronckew]

more info from my vendor in japan: (confirming timo's post above)

A jitte (十手, literally "ten hands") is a specialized weapon that was used by police in Edo period Japan.

It is also spelled jutte.

In Edo period Japan the jitte was a substitute for a badge and represented someone on official business and was carried by all levels of police officers.

You can see it in Japanese historical play.

interesting video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2oJVgCsn7M