Canes and Riding Crops - Why?

[Deano!]

Canes and Riding Crops, when not used to steady the elderly or for horse riding are a mystery to me. What are they actually for - if anything?

As a kid I would notice TV shows and movies where characters would ponce about with a fancy walking cane without needing it in any way, or similarly I would notice characters carrying riding crops like Arther Lowe in Dad's Army and wonder what the purpose was. I guess if you're up yourself enough, you could use a riding crop or cane to tap people as if they were just animals and 'bring them into line'. This would appeal to those born to rule I guess.

Where they just a fashion status symbol like the old top hat?

[Tequila_Woods]

I saw this and thought it was BDSM related and was ready to answer with the the reply a pic of the came marks on my/His ass....but then i read it and saw it was something completely different! lol

[MacD]

An army officer carries a Swagger Stick:

Swagger/Pace Stick:

[Deano!]

Tequila_Woods wrote:

> I saw this and thought it was BDSM related and was ready to
> answer with the the reply a pic of the came marks on my/His
> ass....but then i read it and saw it was something completely
> different! lol

Never mind. I guess I was asking for it posting such a topic heading here!

[Deano!]

MacD - Thanks for those links. I'm now considering making my own little Swagger stick and tapping people with it when talking down to them and belittling them. I hope the BGAFD regulars will send 'Get Well Soon' cards to me in hospital.

Actually I love the quote on 'Digger History' about the Guards Sergent Major at Sandhurst Military College berating the cadet.