COLLECTING

Collecting militaria from the days of sail can be an expensive activity. Uniform items such as a dress coat can cost upwards of £5,000, although smaller, less sought after pieces such as buckles, buttons etc cost considerably less.

The truncheons, coshes or cudgels used by Royal Navy press-gangs still become available from time to time at auctioneers, some most recent examples selling for between £60 and £90 dependent upon

Right: A Royal Navy press gang truncheon c. 1800. The loop in the handle would be to attach the weapon to the belt with a lanyard (sallyantiques.co.uk) condition. These cudgels are well made, usually from oak or walnut, with a pronounced bulbuous head which is often decoratively covered in spliced sizel. A more passive example of Royal Naval recruitment can be found in the recruitment poster and again Georgian examples survive and appear occasionally for both Royal Navy and Royal Marines personnel. Posters are of course more fragile and are less common but can be found at prices ranging from £100 for a damaged example.

Early 19th century sailor’s hat and waistcoat. The number on the hat probably refers to the owner’s action station and tasking

Below: A period Royal Marine’s recruitment poster. Temporary recruitment points were often established in public houses.

A Georgian Navy recruitment poster entreating men to join up and defend the nation

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