Espantoons
Espantoon Collection
Espantoon Info/History
Webster's Third Edition: "An Espantoon In Baltimore, a policeman's stick" We would like to start out by saying we collect Nightsticks, Espantoons, Batons, Truncheons, Billy Clubs Etc. - If you have one for sale, or donation let us know as we are interested. For what might be obvious reasons we particularly like Baltimore style sticks, aside from their being the sticks carried by our brothers they also show a progression not just in what we carried, or had made, but what the department had made for us. While we like Baltimore sticks, we collect them all, from any state in the U.S. to any country in the world.
Courtesy Gary Provenzano
A Victorian hand-carved Bog Oak Irish Truncheon
A traditional hand-carved Bog Oak Truncheon tapering in form 13.5" long, 1.5" on one end, tapered down to 1" on the other. It can be seen to have been carved with a harp, shamrocks and a tower or obelisk below with a cross-hatched design and shamrock carved on the widest end. This is Victorian which was circa 1837 to 1901. The Irish Bog Oak Truncheon, is seen next to a English Truncheon made of a light colored hardwood.
African Traditional Rungu
The Perfection Collection
The Perfection Collection was a well turned set of sticks turned to replicate
four of Baltimore's most well known nightstick espantoon turners
Department Issued turned by one of two Reverends
Then Three well known highly collectable stick makers
Carl Hagen, Ed Bremmer and, Joe Hlafka
Top Down - Department Issued Turned by Rev McKenney or Rev. Longenecker
Carl Hagen, Edward Bremmer, and Joseph "Nightstick Joe" Hlafka
Baltimore City Officers are known for carrying their espantoons with the barrel head out. This practice has been the way Baltimore police have carried their sticks going back to the late 1700's and the early 1800s it is what makes a nightstick an espantoon. The espantoon, also known as a nightstick, is a traditional symbol of authority for Baltimore police officers. Its unique design with the barrel (or burl ) head carried outward is for self-defense and crowd control. Its uniqueness is believed to have originated here in the late 18th century and has been consistently followed ever since. With the barrel head facing outward, it allows for quick and effective strikes, or jabs while maintaining a non-threatening appearance. This longstanding practice showcases the rich history and traditions of the Baltimore police force. The distinctive carrying style has become an iconic feature of Baltimore's law enforcement history and also serves as a visual representation of their role in maintaining law and order while reflecting the city's deep-rooted connection to its policing heritage.
That's it for Now But with the number of sticks being sent in as gifts and those I buy, this will be continued for sure. Thanks for looking
Handcuffs and Restraints
POLICE INFORMATION
Copies of: Your Baltimore Police Department Class Photo, Pictures of our Officers, Vehicles, Equipment, Newspaper Articles relating to our department and or officers, Old Departmental Newsletters, Lookouts, Wanted Posters, and or Brochures. Information on Deceased Officers and anything that may help Preserve the History and Proud Traditions of this agency. Please contact Retired Detective Kenny Driscoll.
NOTICE
How to Dispose of Old Police Items
Please contact Det. Ret. Kenny Driscoll if you have any pictures of you or your family members and wish them remembered here on this tribute site to Honor the fine men and women who have served with Honor and Distinction at the Baltimore Police Department.
Anyone with information, photographs, memorabilia, or other "Baltimore City Police" items can contact Ret. Det. Kenny Driscoll at
Copyright © 2002 Baltimore City Police History - Ret Det Kenny Driscoll
