Swagger Stick

[dcgm4]

Not a knife, but I did find an interesting military tool the other day. Yesterday I picked up a swagger stick from a local antique/junk shop. Swagger sticks are carried as symbols of authority by military commanders. In the past they were used to direct battles and also dole out corporal punishment.
The swagger stick I have is made of brass and measures 15 1/4" long. It is made of four pieces that can be taken apart by unscrewing them. There is an engraving of a fire-breathing dragon as well as some writing; the writing appears to be Korean. Does anyone know how old this swagger stick is and what the value of it may be?

[tjmurphy]

Very nice, I like it. I had one that I made from a 105? primer and a .50 cal. cartridge. I called it a short-timers stick and carried it around while clearing post.

[dcgm4]

Thanks, tj. Sounds like you had a pretty cool one as well.

[chetr1200c]

very nice stick, too bad it wasn't longer, but then it wouldn't be a swagger. and also, wouldn't that be the ying yang symbol for polar opposites on the top of the handle.. originating from china philosophy..

[dcgm4]

I did a little research, and what that actually is is the coat of arms of South Korea. It probably is the yin yang symbol or is at least inspired by the concept of yin and yang, which is a Taoist idea that originated in China.