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 between 1912 and 1918 due to the handle bearing a lovely badge for the RFC, the Royal Flying Corps, the WWI predecessor to the RAF, the Royal Air Force, which only existed from 1912 until April 1st, 1918.

This is a lovely early war wooden example. These were replaced later on in the war by leather covered ones. 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 30” in length and was certainly carried by a pilot or other high-ranking officer of the RFC. The wood is in great shape but does have heavy loss to the finish.

An officer's quality WW1 Swagger stick, ready to display!