Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fantastic example of a US Marine’s swagger stick which was made as a “souvenir” type of commemorative item for one of his tours overseas, which in this case was a “Med Float”. 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.

Swagger sticks were once in vogue in the United States Marine Corps, starting as an informal accessory carried by officers in the late 19th century. In 1915, it gained official approval as recruiters were encouraged to carry them to improve their public image. This tradition grew when Marines deployed for World War I encountered European officers carrying swagger sticks, leading to an entry in the uniform regulations in 1922 authorizing enlisted marines to carry them as well. The usage died down in the 1930s and 40s, with the exception of China Marines, and came back into vogue with a 1952 regulation encouraging them, reaching a peak from 1956 to 1960 when on 4 January 1960, the Commandant, General David M. Shoup, commented on their use with regard to uniforms and equipment.

There is one item of equipment about which I have a definite opinion. It is the swagger stick. It shall remain an optional item of interference. If you feel the need of it, carry it…

This example measures approximately 20 ¾” and is constructed of what appears to be a lower portion of a pool stick! All pieces of this swagger stick was put together of spent shell casings, scrap brass and aluminum, all items that were in excess on a US Navy ship. As the recipient of this swagger stick was not an officer, this was more or less to serve as a memento of his deployment.

The markings on the stick are as follows:

MED. CRUISE
U.S.M.C.

1960
PFC. THEODORE
ROGERS. BULK
FUEL 2ND. F.S.R.

GIBRALTER
SPAIN
FRANCE
ITALY
SICILY
SARDINIA
GREECE
CRETE
CANNES
TURKEY

This example is in wonderful condition and comes more than ready for further research and display.