A 19th century Scottish silver mounted ebony tipstaff

A 19th century Scottish silver mounted ebony tipstaff, unmarked, cylindrical form, the terminals with foliate mounts and engraved with a crown and inscribed 'W.J.M' 'EDINB', the centre with a sliding foliate ring, length 14.9cm. The purpose of the sliding ring was legally significant. If the constable was obstructed whilst trying to make his arrest, he would ceremonially move the ring from one end of the tipstaff to the other to indicate forcible interruption of the discharge of his duty. Ref: Mitton, M, The Policeman's Lot, Antique British Police Equipment including truncheons and Tipstaves, Quiller Press, 1985, pages 87-88.