Long a symbol of style and social standing, canes and walking sticks offer the collector a glimpse of history, art and pride of craftsmanship. This is not a collectable for the impatient. The collecting of canes requires a considerable investment of time, but as those who relish the challenge will tell you, it is most definitely time well spent.
Whether as a means of support in old age, or simply as a travel aid, the cane may very well be as old mankind itself. The term “cane,” is believed to have originated in early Roman times when the streets of many Italian cities were infested with packs of dogs. This constant pedestrian threat made for a common practice of carrying a stout birch cudgel with a sharp end for defending oneself. These cudgels were commonly referred to as “Cani” meaning dog, the plural of which is “Canis” which in time became “cane.”
The terms walking stick and cane have become interchangeable; their distinguishing characteristics having blended with the passage of time. Both canes and sticks are found in a wide number of colors, shapes and textures, ranging from the most primitive stick to highly decorative examples made for royalty.
The arrival of the cane in America is credited to wealthy settlers who brought their fashionable wardrobes and accessories with them to the New World in the 1600s. Often decorated in elaborate silver and gold trimmings, the walking sticks of the affluent offended the Puritans of day who passed and enforced laws prohibiting “immodest and extravagant fashion displays.” Attire was required to be homemade and the formal walking stick was temporarily replaced by a stout wooden stick.
The popularity of the cane held strong from 1900-1925, but styles once again changed and by the 1930s the cane had been reduced from a fashion statement to an implement to aid the impaired or for use by climbers.
Canes come in a wide variety of styles and price ranges. Collectors watch for presentation canes given to acknowledge civic or military service, normally inscribed with the recipient’s name, home town, and a date. Also of interest are sticks that performed multiple functions, such as those containing a snuff box, jewelry case, flask, gun, or sword.
Presidential to historical figure sticks are also of interest. American examples of these have been found with the likeness of Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and other of the Founding Fathers. Presidential sticks exist in such an abundance that it is the belief of many collectors that they were passed out to the public like modern-day campaign buttons. They are moderately priced in the $150-$200 range.
While you are out shopping also be on the lookout for hollow canes made to conceal tobacco or alcohol, or very rare canes with a hidden gadget or a musical instrument. These are of considerable value, bringing in the $300-$500 range at specialized auctions.
For those with slightly deeper pockets, there are English canes featuring carved animal handles and hand crafted sterling silver sticks that sell for $400-$700. At the top of the price range you will find the exquisite works such as Tiffany porcelains or the quartz and jade canes produced by Faberge selling in the $4,000-$12,000 range.
The record for the highest selling cane at auction is held by one from the estate of the flamboyant showman and performer, P.T. Barnum, which sold for $125,000. Until next time…Linda
Linda Kennett is a professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and the liquidation of estates and may be reached at 317-253-7835 or on FaceBbook at www.facebook.com/WhatsInTheAttic
