Original British WWI R.A.F. Flt. Lt. Percy Smith’s Carved Dog’s Head Swagger Stick and KIA Papers Original Items

Original Item: One of a Kind. This has to be one of the saddest items ever to pass through our hands. Flight Lieutenant PERCY SMITH of 108th Squadron of the new Royal Air Force (formally the Royal Flying Corps) was killed in action on 9th November 1918. This was just TWO days before the Armistice of Compiègne was signed on the Eleventh day of the Eleventh Month of 1918.

Included with official mailed letter, which is actually a carbon copies from the Official files referring to above death, there is an official “ENFIELD” style brown folder, marked 

SUPPLIED
FOR THE
PUBLIC SERVICE

This contains a tattered and folded sheet with THREE other carbon Copy letters on it. These three are all differently worded from three different R.A.F. Officials, all saying effectively the same thing. These are dated November 9th 1918, November 10th 1918 and November 11th. 1918. The fourth and final letter (the official mailing) is dated 13th December 1918. The letters, are totally gut wrenching in themselves. One can hardly imagine how the family felt losing their son just TWO DAYS prior to War’s end.

The Swagger Stick has what is most likely a bone carving of the family pet BULLDOG as its top. The carving has “jeweled” eyes and is attached by a copper ferrule that is made to look like a dog’s collar. Its length is 35″ overall made of the traditional cane and is carved with the Officer’s Rank and Name:

Lt. F. L. PERCY SMITH – R A F

A very sensitive offering that underlines the real tragedy of War. Ready to display.