Antique US ARMY Aviation Service Swagger Stick - 1918-1926

Description

Antique US ARMY Aviation Service Swagger Stick 1918-1926
This is a piece of US Army aviation history. This hardwood swagger stick (or aviation school lecture-pointer) measures 22-1/2 inches in length, is 5/8 inch wide at the top, and 1/4 inch at the tip.
It is a nice honey colored wood and contains a few unique features.
About an inch from the top along one of the edges is a small carving that represents the US Army Aviation logo that was used between 1918 and 1926.
This hand-carving of wings over a propeller is unusual and simply exquisite.
At the very top of the stick are the initials “TAS” in what appears to be lead, possibly the initials of the owner.
It appears that the tip of the swagger stick was, at one time, likely covered with a metal tip. There are some signs of wear but otherwise it is in pretty good condition considering its age.
This unique piece of history is from my husband’s private collection.
He suggests you check out the history of US Army Military Aviation between 1918 and 1926: Notable was the involvement of Brigadier General Billy Mitchell who advocated for an independent air-arm, the supremacy of air-power leading to the development of aircraft carriers, and simple improvements like retractable landing-gear.
This antique swagger stick could round out an interesting display of air maps and military documentation as a unique and one-off piece of military aviation history.