British Indian Army, Early 20th Century, Officer’s Swagger Stick of the 13th Frontier Force Rifles, “8 Coke’s” Battalion

*British Indian Army, Early 20th Century, Officer’s Swagger Stick of the 13th Frontier Force Rifles, “8 Coke’s” Battalion*

An unusual British Indian Army officer’s swagger stick retaining a white metal pommel engraved with the badge of the 13th Frontier Force Rifles incorporating “FRONTIER FORCE” around the central numeral “13” beneath a King’s Crown, above a lower scroll reading “8 COKE’S”. 

The device is formed as a rifle regiment style multi-pointed Maltese cross with stippled arms and regimental scrolls under a Kings Crown, reflecting the long-standing traditions of Coke’s Rifles within the Punjab Frontier Force. The stick retains its dark wooden shaft with brass ferrule terminal and displays heavy honest service wear throughout.

Approx. Measurements – Overall length: 67.8 cm.

History Note:
The Frontier Force regiments formed part of the elite British Indian Army formations serving on the North-West Frontier and throughout the Empire. Coke’s Rifles originated in 1849 when raised by Captain John Coke as the 1st Punjab Infantry, later becoming one of the best-known Frontier Force rifle regiments. Following the 1922 reorganisation of the British Indian Army, the regiment became incorporated within the 13th Frontier Force Rifles. During the Second World War, expanded battalion formations and territorial units continued the Coke’s lineage and traditions. Officer’s swagger sticks bearing privately commissioned regimental insignia were popular among British and Indian officers serving within Frontier Force formations.

*Condition*
Generally good untouched period condition with heavy age and service wear. Pommel heavily scratched, rubbed, and tarnished with softened detail from long handling. Hallmarks, if originally present, are now indistinct. Wooden shaft with age-related marks and visible longitudinal seam line. Brass ferrule worn. Structurally sound overall. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

JAQ#3224B0_6495244811