Original Item: Only One Available. A swagger stick is a short stick or riding crop usually carried by a uniformed person as a symbol of authority. A swagger stick is shorter than a staff or cane, and is usually made from rattan. Its use derives from the vine staff carried by Roman centurions as an emblem of office.
This example dates to the early part of WWI and is offered in wonderful condition. These were replaced later on in the war by leather covered ones. This is a genuine early WW1 British Officer’s Swagger stick carried by the upper crust of the Officer Corp. It is a fact that even common soldiers were issued cane swagger sticks when going on leave in WW1, so that they had something to occupy their hands. Early in the war delicate old ladies had bitterly complained that Tommies were often seen on the Rail Road either “picking their noses or scratching their privates”. The result from an outraged War Office was to give the officers something else to carry around with them.
This example measures 24 inches in length, and is in quite nice condition. The wood is excellent, with just a bit of wear on the ends.
An officer’s quality WW1 Swagger stick, ready to display!