IN 1902, the great and the good in Oxford celebrated the coronation of Edward VII.

During one civic ceremony, a commemorative truncheon was handed to a special constable by city councillor Thomas Taphouse, as part of the celebrations.

Mr Taphouse went on to become Mayor of Oxford in 1904 and died the following year, aged 66.

The truncheon, which bears his name and an image of the crown over Oxford’s coat of arms, was taken from the city at some point.

But on Tuesday, the historic heirloom was returned to the city in a ceremony at the Town Hall.

The truncheon has been returned home after former Oxford resident Andy Durbridge bought the heirloom when he found out it was being auctioned in Warwick, and decided to give it to Oxford City Council.

Mr Durbridge, who now lives in New York, said: “I managed to buy the truncheon and made contact with various people about a suitable home for it.

“Councillor Susanna Pressel suggested that it should be housed in the town hall alongside the civic plate, and this sounded like the most suitable solution.

“I hope my involvement helps preserve a little bit more of the history of Oxford and I look forward to visiting the town hall on my next trip over from the States.”

At the town hall, Mr Durbridge’s sister Lesley Josey presented the truncheon to Lord Mayor John Goddard.

Mr Goddard said: “The truncheon is a very ornate piece of local history.

“Mr Durbridge no longer lives in Oxford but he has done us all a great service by saving a piece of our social history.

“This truncheon could have ended up anywhere and he has made sure it came back to the city.

“People visiting the town hall will now be able to see the truncheon alongside the mace and other valuable pieces of silverware.

“Tourists who come to the town hall to visit the café or use the toilets should also take time to have a look at the display cases showing our civic history.”

Oxford police commander Supt Amanda Pearson and Ms Pressel, a former Lord Mayor, were also at the ceremony.

Ms Pressel said: “Andy Durbridge paid about £150 for the truncheon so that it could be preserved in Oxford.

“People love these connections with local history and we are very grateful that he made such an effort.”