unmarked, the ebony cylindrical shaft set with royal crown to top and simple collar to base, the upper section with applied lion rampant above a Ducal coronet, the reverse with oak tree with saw through trunk (for Hamilton), the central section with applied presentation band engraved Victoria Queen, Alexander 10 th Duke of Hamilton Hereditary Keeper, Presented to John Rogers Esquire, Baillie of the Abbey of Holyrood House, by the High Constables, Thomas Miller Moderator 1851’, in fitted velvet lined glazed domed oak display case (66cm long ) Footnote: Note: Although Tipstaffs and Batons of office are encountered with regularity presentation examples or indeed such large examples as this are extremely rare. To find one with such direct Royal and Ducal connection as this appears to be virtually unique. The presentation itself is still somewhat of a mystery. It can safely be assumed that Thomas Miller must have had a long career within the Abbey of Holyrood House and perhaps his time as Moderator in 1851 was the end of this illustrious career. No other such examples presented to Moderators can be traced so this is by no means a standard presentation to Moderators of the Abbey when they stand down. For a similarly large example from the Barony Burgh of Portsburgh, intriguingly last presented in 1851 as well, see ‘Jewellery & Silver’, Bonhams Edinburgh 7 th December 2011 lot 535 (sold £7500)