Lydart wrote:
...what was the use of 'swagger sticks' ... or just 'for show' !!
Nowadays, just for show, but originally as a symbol of authority. They are usually made of cane or malacca. Cavalry officers carry riding crops instead of swagger sticks.
Debbie's uncle would have got into quite a lot of trouble if he'd been found carrying one in public, but it does set off his HLI uniform!
BTW. When David Niven volunteered for the army at the beginning of the war, he insisted on joining a Scottish regiment. When asked - 'Which regiment?' He replied - 'Anything but the HLI'.....Which regiment do you think he was posted to? 
Richard
This is actually a "Walking Out Cane" and no self respecting private soldier or junior NCO would have been seen without one from the mid - late 19th century until WW2.
They were there to add a bit of "swank" to the young soldier and were an affectation, although quite normal and semi official. They had to be bought by the soldier himself, and were not issued.
Many variants are found, some with Regimental Crests or badges, some just plain topped.
He would certainly NOT have been in trouble for carrying one, and they can be seen in many period photos.
Officers canes are more plain and invariably leather covered ("can't face a German machine gun without my stick!" Lt George 1917), although some were of the plain Malacca mentioned. Officers in WW1 also quite often carried a walking stick with silver embellishments.
The term "Swagger Stick" has come to mean (with civvies -
)any of the above; and he RSM's Pace Stick, which apart form being the symbol of a "Drill Pig" (a Sgt Major trained in the teaching of drill) was used to measure the correct length of ones pace on the march, and especially for ceremonial duties practice.
A number of infantry officers were found with riding crops, as up until just before WW2, ANY officer was expected to provide his own horse at his own expense. This is why many period pics of soldiers on the march have a mounted officer at the front.
A number of officers still carry canes, and the Pace Stick of the "Drill Pig" is very much still extant, and they still very much symbols of rank.
The officers cane is still very useful in pointing out errant soldiers to the NCO's!!
