Measuring 24 inches when closed, the weapon appears to be a conventional officer's swagger stick, with a stitched brown leather covering, opening to reveal a dagger, 19 1/4 inches overall with a 13 1/4 inch double edged blade. The blade is marked "(violin)/MADE IN SHEFFIELD/ENGLAND" on the ricasso, with one side floral etched and marked "SWAINE & ADENEY,/->->Ltd.<-<-/185.PICCADILLY LONDON W.I.", and the other marked "John J. Pershing U.S Army". Originally the firm of John Ross and now known as Swaine Adeney Brigg, the company in question dealt in saddlery and fine leather goods such as luggage and whips, and a known maker of officer's swagger sticks and riding crops during World War One, including "loaded" sticks that could be used as melee weapons. The violin trademark is associated with the cutlery firm of George Ibberson in Sheffield, which is known to have made blades marked for sale by S&A into World War II. General John "Black Jack" Pershing, overall commander of American forces in France for World War I, requires no introduction here. Unfortunately, no documentation is available to verify the etching on the blade. Many vintage photographs of General Pershing feature him with something in his hand (most often a pair of gloves or a sword hilt), so an accessory more or less entirely meant to occupy the hands would be in-character. More traditionally a European accessory, many Americans became acquainted with swagger sticks via interaction with their British counterparts and acquired their own through English retailers; while never formally made an issue item, they were an optional piece of kit for officers (and some senior NCOs) into the 1960s. General George S. Patton carried a swagger stick in WWII, reportedly with a hidden blade.

Fine overall. The exterior shows some wear and loss of the leather, exposing the underlying wood body, along with some cracks and stains. A few areas of glue repair are visible, particularly along the seam. The silver collar shows some minor dents and a fine aged patina. Mild spotting and wear is present on the otherwise totally untouched very fine blade, with the etching clear and legible. An extraordinary piece of American History!