Anyone know what these "sticks" are called?

[Black]

Billy clubs.

[Fred_Also]

I was thinking they were for backstage use (in a theater). They would stick in holes to hold ropes for curtains, lights, etc. Just a guess.

My guess on the reason for the different sizes, styles, they were collected by someone that worked back stage and were souvenirs from different theaters.

I really don't know!

Fred Also

[voodoopenguin]

What is with all you violent lot? Despite me saying they probably weren't clubs we've had several suggestions to say they are. Try and think of something more peaceful, it will do your blood pressure the world of good.

Paul

[mikebw]

I would also guess some sort of standard measuring device. A stick like that would make the process of determining whether a package is too big to fit in a compartment for example, or maybe in arranging furniture or some other objects to ensure consistent spacing.

[Psurfer]

Maybe Escrima sticks (martial arts); but they're typically matched in pairs.

[voodoopenguin]

Psurfer wrote:
Maybe Escrima sticks (martial arts); but they're typically matched in pairs.

With "Approved For Government" printed on them? Seems highly unlikely for the UK.

Paul

[Paul F.]

It's a GENUINE BRITISH GOVERNMENT APPROVED STICK!

Worth a fortune, no doubt!




(I have no idea... but, and here's a role reversal for you, I doubt they were made as nightsticks/clubs etc. They would probably have a handle of some sort. Relay Race Batons????)

[OWC Jamie]

There are some awful short simple straight stick truncheons out there.
12" seems awful short.
But
the second one from the left looks to be about 12 "


maybe another british term for truncheon or police/defensive baton

could have been used to hold a window open for all we know

[AlphaDog]

I think you're on the right track about them having been used to measure something. It's too bad we don't know what.

[N-OS X-tasy!]

Suppositories.