I just picked up this riding crop at a local yard sale and thought it would make an interesting post. The riding crop is made of russet brown leather and has a rectangular metal plate riveted to the wrist strap. The plate is etched with the officer's name and service number CAPT. HENRY J. STANGER 0-479278. There is a strap that connects the main body of the crop to the handle and is held in place with a snap. When unsnapped the handle pulls away from the main body to reveal a hidden dagger. The blade is fluted and does not have an edge. It resembles the blade of a socket type bayonet and was designed as a thrusting/stabbing weapon. Hidden inside the main body is a tubular metal scabbard. I tried to research this officer but have not had any luck yet. Since this is a cavalry related item I would guess it dates anywhere from WWI - 1930's time period? I would imagine this private purchased item was carried more as a status symbol rather than for actual use on horseback.

 

Rob

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Hello.......just recently joined the forums. Noted your riding crop post. I have one similar to yours. Mine is a simple 4 sided blade with a very sharp point. The crop is the sheath, only the opening is metal. No name affixed. HOWEVER, mine was given to me by my uncle. He picked it up in North Africa in WWII. He was a Signal Corps officer. The leather does appear to be NOT U.S leather goods if you look closely. tankerman

Tankerman, thanks for the reply & welcome to the forum. Now that you mention it the guy I bought this crop from did say the Captain served in Nort Africa. I guess I did not think much of it as I figured the crop, being a cavalry related item, pre dated WWII. If you ever get the time to post some photos I would like to see the one you have.

 

Rob

Tankerman, thanks for the reply & welcome to the forum. Now that you mention it the guy I bought this crop from did say the Captain served in Nort Africa. I guess I did not think much of it as I figured the crop, being a cavalry related item, pre dated WWII. If you ever get the time to post some photos I would like to see the one you have.

 

Rob

Tankerman, thanks for the reply & welcome to the forum. Now that you mention it the guy I bought this crop from did say the Captain served in Nort Africa. I guess I did not think much of it as I figured the crop, being a cavalry related item, pre dated WWII. If you ever get the time to post some photos I would like to see the one you have.

 

Rob

 

Rob--

 

Finally took some pics of my Uncle's riding crop/ dagger that he pcked up in N. Africa during WWII. He was a Col. in the Signal Corps Africa and Italy. Of note, troops were black. Only officers and senior non-coms were white. Was visited by Eleanor R. He had no children and My Aunt gave me this crop, his 1911 Colt .45, and a British .38 Enfield revolver that he told her he got from a Brit. officer. The pistols are 95% +. The crops must have been readily available on the local economy. gave one that kind of "patton" look. Tankerman

Tankerman, thanks for posting photos of your crop. As you said both are very similar in design. I wonder if they came up with the idea from the old sword canes civilians used to carry around, pretty much the same concept.

 

Rob

Rob,

 

Your quadralateral blade appears to be from a French Lebel or Maas bayonet. North Africa seems likely since the French were there with these bayonets. Could have been locally made in the ETO as well I suppose.

I have one of these. If anyone wants it, I would be glad to send it to you for the cost of shipping/handling.

I have one of these. If anyone wants it, I would be glad to send it to you for the cost of shipping/handling.

 

PM Sent! Bobgee

I have one of these. If anyone wants it, I would be glad to send it to you for the cost of shipping/handling.

 

Hansen,

 

Am a small time collector of unusual edged stuff like this. If it has not been spoken for i would take it. Pls advise of postage / handling cost.

 

Thanks,

 

Cliff