Information Gathering - The Swagger Stick

[Tim Robinson]

Fellow forum members,

I am seeking your assistance in the preparation of two articles. I like Captain Mike O'Leary am a bit of a collector of Regimental Memorabilia and have amassed a fairly significant collection over the years. A large part of my collection is RCR Cap Badges, Collar Dogs and Shoulder Crests from the past 126 years. Mike being the astute and dedicated historian that he is has however skillfully written and amassed all the articles and research on badges that I can think of. If you have not visited his website www.regimentalrogue.com I encourage you to do so as it is a fascinating reference to many military subjects but most importantly The Regiment. I gladly submit him as the foremost authority on everything RCR Cap Badge though I have a couple in my collection that I am sure he would take my life for. I also have a badge article for Pro Patria 2009 that will even interest Mike but I shall make him wait.

Topic 1 - The Swagger Stick
In my collection I do have a number of Swagger Sticks dating back to the Victorian era and I endeavour to pick them up when I can. Though Mike has pursued a number of topics he has left this one untouched. I would like to pursue the Regimental Swagger Stick story since their cresting and size varies as much as does the manufacture and design of our cap badges. As with any topic there are a number of Swagger Sticks and stories out there among our Regimental brothers that I have yet to see or uncover.

I would ask that if you have a Swagger Stick or two in your possession that you please take a digital photograph of the stick, particularly the cap, shoe and the badge or cypher that adorns it and forward the photo to me. A very short description that includes:

a. Length
b. Colour
c. Diameter
d. Markings
e. Where obtained
f.  If you carried it during service and period

I would also appreciate any humorous stories or anecdotes that you may recall.

Topic 2 - The Pace Stick - A Regimental Pride

1. Please forward the same information as per the Swagger Stick however if you were ever a member of a pacestick competition I would ask that you please include when, pre-training requirements. faux pas, and of course competition results.

E-mail: Regt.Adjt@gmail.com
Phone: 613-687-5511 Ext 5086

Thank you in advance,

Tim

[ranrad]

A real interesting topic, i look forward to posts on it.. thanks for starting it..ranrad

[Michael OLeary]

Tim,  I will get you photos of the one swagger stick that I do have.  For now, here are some images I've saved from various auctions that showed up on line.  Unfortunately, they're not really of good enough resolution for print publication but they do show a selection of what's out there that someone should have and be able to photograph.

[outback jack]

Tim,

Found this auction that you might be interested in.

http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/7003064

Grev

[Michael OLeary]

Tim, here are some photos of the one in the First World War gallery in the Museum.  You'll have to have it taken out of the case for better shots of the head.