The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Museum hopes truncheons will be a knockout
POLICE truncheons from the 19th Century are just some of the interesting recent acquisitions by Angus Council’s museum service which are on display at Arbroath Signal Tower Museum.
The three painted wooden batons were used by police over different periods, with one dating from the reign of King William IV (18301837) and the other two from the Victorian era.
Also on display are medals presented to Arbroath man Robert Eaton, who served as an infantryman in the Royal Highlanders during the First World War.
He was awarded the Allied Victory Medal and the British War Medal. The museum also has a long- service medal belonging to Mr Eaton’s father, who was in the Royal Naval Reserve.
Other items of interest include a book of daily transactions made by Mains of Auchmithie Farm from 1902 to 1912. There are also photographs of the farm in operation in the 1950s.
The display includes several items relating to fishing, including a basket and creel harness, a fisherwoman doll and a slip gauge.
There is a certificate of employment from Arbroath man William Caird, who served at Montroseness Lighthouse at the start of the 20th Century.
Museum assistant Louisa Grossi said: “The items have been donated by members of the public to the museum service over the past year. Another item of interest, which is not on display, was a large cannonball.
“We believe the truncheons used to be kept behind Smugglers’ Tavern in Arbroath as a deterrent to rowdy customers.
“Since it is 100 years since the start of the First World War, we also felt it was appropriate to display the medals of a local man who took part.
“We have a photograph of Mr Eaton as well as his medals.”
The display runs until August 30.