Baton awarded to Field Marshal Lord Roberts, Army Staff, 1895

Roberts was promoted to field marshal in 1895. The same year he was made Commander-in-Chief in Ireland, having spent the previous 8 years as Commander-in-Chief in India. On appointment, British field marshals were awarded a baton covered in crimson velvet, and decorated with gold lions passant regardant. The gold top bears a representation of St George and the dragon. Roberts would have carried this baton on ceremonial occasions.