Swagger Sticks

[Captain Dave]

I need to collate some info on swagger sticks for officers.

How big were they, wes there a set pattern etc.

Also if anyone can post some shots of one on the forum, that would also be appreciated.

Ta in advance

Dave.

[6th Hauraki KIA KAHA]

Hi Dave

I have 2 officers canes one 1915 and a N.Z signal corps one of 1916, made of cane with silver fittings.

One is a walking stick shape.

I also have one other ranks one, short swagger stick with two crossed 303 bullets.

I have a few of the shorter type made of wood or leather but they are ww2.

If you want me to post some pics of the other 2 ww1 officers canes let me no.

As for a set size I dont think so, they were private purchase.

Unless your talking about a pace stick or a drill cane?.

[Captain Dave]

Thanks for the reply. I am certainly after the swagger stick, not the pace or drill cane.

If you could also post some shots, that would be appreciated.

Dave

[6th Hauraki KIA KAHA]

Hi Dave

Here are the two I talked about the 1915 dated one with walking stick style handle.

The pictures do not really do them justice

The 1916 dated signal corps one is really detailed in the engraving, just a bad pic.

same length as the other.

Regards Jonathan.

[Captain Dave]

Hmmmm, v interesting. It was suggested a swagger stick may be an interesting peice of kit, but after reading a bit more about them, they seem to be a bit redundant for any type of practical use.

Thank you for taking the time out to post the pictures though

[6th Hauraki KIA KAHA]

No, they are good for making you look important, Pointing and to steadying yourself and waving on the attack.

[Captain Dave]

One trys to avoid drawing attention to ones self. Even in peace time!

[6th Hauraki KIA KAHA]

Yes The days of Cuff-rank polished brass and swagger sticks has truly passed.

As I noticed at Dawn parade seeing N.Z army officers in there puke green

polyester S.D uniforms with stay-bright buttons and sambrowns looking

as-though they are made of vinyl looking like they have just stepped out of the two dollar shop.

I can see why they do not stand out.

[squirrel]

Perhaps they introduced originally to give the o/r's something to carry and "do with their hands" to make them appear more"soldierly" in walking out dress? When were they first issued?

[Captain Dave]

Yes The days of Cuff-rank polished brass and swagger sticks has truly passed.

As I noticed at Dawn parade seeing N.Z army officers in there puke green

polyester S.D uniforms with stay-bright buttons  and sambrowns looking

as-though they are made of vinyl looking like they have just stepped out of the two dollar shop.

I can see why they do not stand out.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I do not think a swagger stick would improve this state of affairs too much.

Incidently I got hold of one of the brand new issue Sam Brownes a while ago, assembled it and tried to adjust the front strap, when pop, the leather simply snapped off. I would assume they have been stored somewhere wet and the leather has rotted through.