In the 19th century truncheons were decorated to show the importance of the police constable. Painted on this truncheon are the royal crown, the initials 'GIVR' for King George IV and the Birmingham coat-of-arms.The royal crown and initials or 'cypher' show the constable was acting under the authority of the Crown. The town's coat-of-arms identified his area of authority and any other markings, in this case a number '2' on the rear, identified the policeman personally, preventing unauthorised use. Prior to 1829, constables did not wear a uniform nor did they carry a warrant card, therefore the painted truncheon was the constable's badge of office.