Hi,
As long as I can remember, back in the 1960's, tucked behind the doorframe in the back of the understairs cupboard at home there was a swagger stick. Didn't know what it was at the time and as kids it was used as a walking stick or a band sgt. majors baton for conducting music etc. until we were caught then it would go back in the cupboard and forgotten about 'till next time. Anyhow, I do remember it had a badge or emblem on the end of it although I can't remember what it was. The house was demolished in 1987 and I suspect the stick was either thrown out in the rubbish or still there when the dozer moved in.
So, doing a final clear out at my late parents house there was a pile of lengths of metal and scrap wood in the corner of the garage - what my dad would have called 'stock, ready for use' - bundled it all up and threw it in the trailer with a load of other crappola ready for the next dump run.
I don't know why, or what made me go through this pile of stuff as, amongst a load of broken garden canes, was the swagger stick.
Not in great condition as it's been in a damp garage for nearly forty years, it has a bit of a curve to it but nothing drastic, the ferrule in the thin end is worn (likely due to us playing with it) and the end with the badge on is quite corroded. Now obviously I'd like to clean it up and see what the badge is as it could give a clue as to who in the family it belonged to. I don't want to damage it any further but any suggestions for cleaning it would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Approx 26" long.