Leading Staff

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

Leading Staff
Leading Staff
"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
Dutch Officers with leading staffs, early 17th century