Leading Staff

Iron

Date: Early 17th Century

Context: James Fort Pit

Attached to a wooden pole approximately five feet in length with an iron ground, a leading staff was carried by a captain as a symbol of his military standing.

Partial leading staffs were also found in the graves of Bartholomew Gosnold and Gabriel Archer.

related images

"Drill Postures" a detail from an engraving by T. Cockson, English 1615-1620 showing a leading staff. — “Drill Postures” a detail from an engraving by T. Cockson, English 1615-1620 showing a leading staff. The British Museum

Dutch Officers with leading staffs, early 17th century