Command staff
A command baton is a baton worn by generals and officers as one of the insignia of their authority and special dignity . Further insignia in this sense were, for example, particularly splendid armor (pompous armor from the 16th and 17th centuries) or an artful sash, also particularly noble horses.
Emergence
Even in ancient times , Roman emperors carried two sceptres during the triumphal procession .
Even lower-ranking officers such as a centurion wore the vitis , the badge of recognition and honor made from a vine, which was also used for punishment , as a sign of authority . The Vitis is still worn as an officer's baton, especially in Anglo-Saxon armies.
In the Middle Ages , these staffs developed into, among other things, the marshal's staff , but also the king's scepter and ceremonial staff . Generals like Wallenstein wore the staff as a sign of their authority. At the same time they developed from the maces back to smaller, purely symbolic sticks with a butt end.
During and after the Renaissance , command posts were also carried by lower commanders. In a simple form as a wooden stick or whip, they were also used to punish the subordinate soldiers. With the ban on caning in the European armies , these wands went out of fashion and were ultimately banned or may no longer be used for caning.
Command baton was then only carried by field marshals as marshal baton. Today they are hardly used any more, only in the Commonwealth they are still awarded marshal's baton.
It used to be assumed that the prehistoric perforated rod was a preform of the command rod ; this assumption is questioned today.
See also
- Marshal's baton
- Perforated rod
- On coins - Philip of Hesse with command baton: Schmalkaldischer Bundestaler