Chaplain's Army Stick Presented to 1st Lt. Solomon M. Kaplan. Rare and historically significant U.S. Army chaplain's swagger stick presented to Solomon M. Kaplan, engraved on the brass collar "1st Lt Solomon M Kaplan." The hardwood shaft is fitted with a brass-mounted handle and collar, additionally bearing a Jewish chaplain insignia incorporating a Star of David, a scarce and important identifier reflecting Jewish military service in the early 20th century.
Swagger sticks of this type were carried by officers and chaplains during the World War I era as symbols of rank, authority, and ceremonial presence. The personal engraving firmly attributes this example to Lt. Kaplan, elevating it well beyond a generic military accessory to a documented, named artifact of Jewish-American military history.
Condition is consistent with age and use, with surface wear and patina to the metal mounts and shaft, retaining strong legibility to the engraved presentation. An exceptional museum-quality piece representing Jewish chaplaincy, American military service, and the personal legacy of a named officer-rarely encountered in such intact and attributable form.
Estimated Value $200 - 300
Judaica
