British Dated 1885 Indian Raj Military Swagger Stick. A very unusual late-19th Century painted Indian Raj swagger stick. Dated to 1885 and with the letter “U” – attractively decorated for its entire length. A unique piece. Length of the swagger stick is 34 inches. 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. Uniforms are no longer worn by army personnel when off duty and the swagger stick has accordingly become obsolete.
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