Baton (military)

The ceremonial baton is a short, thick stick-like object, typically in wood or metal, that is traditionally the sign of a field marshal or a similar high-ranking military officer, and carried as a piece of their uniform.

[2] With the advent of primitive body armor, the mace went out of fashion, but made a comeback as an effective weapon against full plate armour during the Late Middle Ages.

Eagles were inserted for the Marshals of Napoleon Bonaparte, which he gave away batons in ceremonies as well as medals as propaganda means, and stars during the July Monarchy and Republican periods.

Also the supreme commander of the Imperial Army Generalissimus Albrecht von Wallenstein, but also Prince Eugene of Savoy carried such batons as symbols of their authority.

[citation needed] German field marshals often carried an Interimsstab while on active service, a lighter and thinner baton resembling a swagger stick.

No Field Marshals were appointed during the reign of Alexander III of Russia (1881-1894) and only four batons were awarded during the reign of Nicholas II of Russia (1894-1917), the last being to His Royal Highness King Carol I of Romania in 1912.On appointment, British field marshals are awarded a baton covered in crimson velvet, and decorated with gold lions passant regardant.

In England and Wales, batons are usually represented as behind the coat of arms crossed in saltire although the sole holder of this achievement in practice is the Duke of Norfolk in his capacity as Earl Marshal.