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Many brandished their sticks willy-nilly in all directions or twirled Sticks traced to famed soldiers
them round and round by ribbon, thong, or strap. Others dragged them or leaders are perennially popular.
at their heels or, shouldering them like bayonets, imperiled all who American presidents, such as
followed in their footsteps. Some, like turnstiles, toted sticks horizontally George Washington and Abraham
at their armpits or waist, impeding passersby both coming and going. Lincoln, for example, apparently
Others utilized sticks to dispatch opponents, clear their way through owned several. So did Ulysses S.
crowds or, in the midst of an argument, pointedly punctuate strong Grant. Judging by the number of
points. The infirm and weary, on the other hand, peered down before surviving sticks featuring knobs
each step, then set their sticks down decisively lest they land on apple bearing his image, so did scores of
cores, orange peels, or other slippery stuff. his admirers.
Canes carved with names of
Customizing All Parts their owners, like Dr. Samuel H.
Caldwell, a Confederate Surgeon
under General Nathan Bedford
Forrest, are also highly
prized. So are opulent, gold-
tipped presentation walking
Mahogany sticks, some awarded to
English anonymous civic servants,
Architect’s others inscribed to influential
Walking Stick leaders like John F.
with brass/silver McCauley who, in 1856,
hardware, horn assumed management of San
ferrule, leather- Quentin Prison.
wrapped handle Nautical-themed hand-
containing
variety of staffs, perhaps carved during
associated tools, lengthy Massachusetts or
37”, late 19th Maine whaling expeditions,
century, realized are also highly collectible.
$1,875 in 2017 Wooden ones often feature
photo: Heritage carved, high-relief images of
Auctions, HA.com sea creatures surrounded
by intricately worked sailing
Inset: English Carved Wood Harmonica knots. Others, utilizing the
Walking Stick with wood and brass elements materials closest at hand,
slide and lift from shaft to reveal carved-in were imaginatively fashioned
harmonica, ending on metal ferrule, 35”,
Carved Walking Stick, its handle and top Walnut Walking Stick featuring late 19th century, realized $937.50 in 2017, from narwhal tusk, baleen,
shaft containing miniature croquet silver knob which, unscrewed photo: Heritage Auctions, HA.com whalebone, or whale teeth.
set – ball, mallet, six stakes and three reveals knife and pair of spectacles, Folk art-type walking
wickets, one with a bell, 35”, late 19th 37.5”, late 19th century, realized sticks, which were typically whittled from tree branches, were favored by
century, realized $1,000 in 2017 $687.50 in 2017 scores of 19th century American farmers, woodsmen, hikers, and
photo: Heritage Auctions, HA.com photo: Heritage Auctions, HA.com hunters. Each, a world unto itself, expresses the creativity and personality
Walking stick shafts, as their knob handles, were often hollowed out of a single individual – its creator. Roughly carved branches often
as well. Many contained indispensable “tools of the trade ” like doctors’ feature geometric patterns formed by retaining bits of their original
pill dispensers, architects’ straight edges, scholars’ spectacles, or cider- bark. Thick, undulating ones, if topped by carved heads with gaping
makers’ siphons, spouts, and apple-pressing rods. mouths and malevolent red-paint eyes, resemble gargantuan snakes
Contents of other hollow shafts reflected various gentlemanly from tip to toe. Naturally gnarled, bumpy burls often inspire humorous,
passions or pastimes. Some held telescopes, periscopes, or barometers. high-relief carved images. Other sticks, more artistic, feature skillful
Others held coin scales, art supplies, harmonicas, violins, fishing rods, carvings or twist the length of their shafts.
or devices which, when unscrewed, reconfigured into spinning mirrors
– likely used to attract birds and insects. Today’s Market
Walking stick shafts containing unusual items, like croquet sets American 19th century walking sticks currently command between
(complete with a ball, mallet, six stakes, and three wickets) or jump several hundred and several thousand dollars each. Those combining
ropes (with silver repoussé handles), evoke long past times of frolic and premium materials, like gold with porcelain or jade with rubies, are
laughter. Yet when treasures like these fell from use, they were some- typically most expensive. Craftsmanship, ornamentation, uniqueness,
times passed on to children as playthings. Discovering one complete and and condition also affect their worth. Yet collectors may be willing to
intact with all its accoutremonts is not only exciting but rare. overlook minor flaws, like chips, cracks, or discolorations, regarding
Nineteenth century Americans found “gadget” walking sticks (also exceptionally rare, attractive, or personally appealing pieces.
known as “system” sticks) particularly pleasing. Through finely crafted Discovering (or imagining) the history of a walking stick is a
mechanisms within their shafts and handles, they cleverly fulfilled dual huge part of that appeal. So is holding, handling, and trying it –
or hidden purposes. Some, designed for butter or grain dealers, for retracing the steps of a 19th century American gentleman.
example, featured handles which operated scoops at their ends. Some
ingeniously unfolded into fiddles, music stands, preachers’ lecterns, or
tiny gaming tables. Other sticks cunningly concealed useful weapons like Title Image: Top: Shark Vertebrae Walking Stick with ebony handle and tip,
firearms, daggers, spring-driven blades, crossbows, or even mace balls. c. 1890, photo: rubylane.com
Right: Carved Wood Eagle Crossbow Walking Stick, glass eyes, brass collar
¹
Collecting Handstaffs containing cross bow accessories, brass hardware and ferrule, 39⁄4”, late 19th century,
Many collect 19th-century walking sticks because they are appealing, realized $1,500 in 2017photo: Heritage Auctions, HA.com
readily available, and easily stored. Some prefer pieces wrought from a Bottom: Hickory Walking Stick, horn handle, 19th century, photo: rubylane.com
Left: R.F. Simmons Company 16K Gold-Mounted Walking Cane, Attleboro,
particular material or made in a particular place. Others assemble Massachusetts, Marks: RFS & CO, 16K, l. 34¾, late 19th century, realized $687.50
themed collections. in 2017 photo: Heritage Auctions, HA.com

24 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles