Swagger stick

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 modern use derives from the vine staff carried by Roman centurions as an emblem of office.

United Kingdom

In the British Army prior to World War I swagger sticks were carried by all other ranks when off duty, as part of their walking out uniform. The stick took the form of a short cane of polished wood, with an ornamented metal head of regimental pattern. The usual custom was for the private soldier or NCO to carry the stick tucked under his arm. Cavalrymen carried a small riding cane instead of the swagger stick of infantry and other branches. This practice was restricted to the army and Royal Marines, and was never imitated by the other services. Until 1939 swagger sticks were still carried by peacetime regular soldiers when off duty but the practice ceased with the outbreak of World War II. Uniforms are no longer worn by army personnel when off duty and the swagger stick has accordingly become obsolete.