A slice of Stroud's political history will be going under the hammer at Stroud Auction Rooms next week.
Police chief William Hambidge was presented with a silver teapot and stand as well as a watch after he quelled trouble at Stroud Subscription Rooms following the result of the 1865 General Election.
The townsfolk, grateful for Mr Hambidge's "coolness in dealing with excited crowds", also presented all the policemen who assisted with watches and spoons.
Up for auction on Wednesday, October 10 is the teapot stand (minus teapot) which is engraved: "Presented to Mr William Hambidge, Supt of Police, for services ably performed under trying circumstances at the General Election for the Borough of Stroud 1865".
The cause of the trouble is unclear.
Some claim it was a two-vote difference between two Liberal candidates - Edward Horsman, who had been an MP since 1853 and polled 687 votes, and George Scrope, who gained 685.
However, as Paul Hawkins Fisher's Notes and Recollections of Stroud records, both men were elected to represent Stroud in Parliament, so that seems improbable.
A more likely reason is that the Liberals, led by Lord Palmerston, had increased their majority over the Earl of Derby's Conservatives to more than 80 and were facing claims of "profuse and corrupt expenditure".
When the returning officer announced the result, stones were thrown and police were pushed.
According to The Old Gloucestershire Diary, which was printed in the Stroud News in 1899, Mr Hambidge fell down three times. "Great credit to him and his men for their coolness and forbearance," said a witness.
Going under the hammer the same day as the teapot stand - which has a guide price of £80 to £120 - will be a 1920s/30s era luggage trolley from the now demolished Bristol Road station in Stonehouse.
It was given a new lick of paint in 1959 and has a guide price of £40 to £60.
One last gem for those looking to pick up a piece of Stroud history: a sign from Stroud Brewery in the 1930s, with a guide price of £80 to £120.
For more information ring 01453 873800, email info@stroudauctions.com or visit stroudauctions.co.uk
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