The passion of collecting items such as antique canes is based on the desire of knowing and discovering the meaning of all sorts of objects, together with a natural curiosity for the functionality of these objects. Collecting antiques implies an increased interest in history and art and discovering the atmosphere of older times and spaces.
Antiques represent the artistic meticulousness of older crafts and specific techniques. The expressivity of all antique items is even more increased by the symbolization of durability and time investment.
Collecting Antique Canes
Collecting antique canes, walking sticks and antiques, in general, implies a lot of value and admiration for high art and a lot of intimacy. Because these items used to belong to somebody from a historical time, antique canes offer a perspective upon the past that involves emotion and mystery.
With a wide range of choosing possibilities and variations of these antique canes and sticks, the collecting options are unlimited, by providing the cane enthusiast with a genuine “time travel” experience, full with emotional charges and mystical content. The collector’s journey of discovering new valuable pieces brings many new interests and questions, regarding the origin, background and usage of the canes and walking sticks.
Finding each item’s unique story is another fulfilling task and journey. Collecting walking sticks is a hobby born out of passion and increased interest in beauty and history, but it also represents a valuable investment and financial possession for the future.
Walking Sticks
Antique canes and sticks can be characterized by a certain pattern of colors and a specific typology of delicate lines and care for detailing. The canes and walking sticks are found in a wide spectrum of colors, shapes and textures, ranging from plain wood to delicate amber and expensive engraved silver.
Be it expressions of folk art or high-class items that the aristocracy was proud to wear at social gatherings, the antique canes and sticks all carry a historical fingerprint, with a valuable meaning and captivating story. Since the oldest times, the walking stick has had various purposes and functional uses.
These functions range from pragmatic ones, like helping the owner walk or serving as a defense weapon, to the sophisticated ones, such as a power status or an elegant accessory, with encrusted jewels.
The simple lines and the decorative items, with various patterns that range from floral elements to geometrical shapes, are artistically used for detailing the canes. Antique walking sticks and canes have the advantage of warming the atmosphere of a setting, by adding a decorative appeal and originality to any space.
Antique Cane Expert
Trying to be an expert in antique canes and walking sticks is a long journey that requires high interest, knowledge and passion. As a collector, your experience evolves while reading about these historic items, attending actions and scanning for information from various sources.
Still, sharing the knowledge and experience with other antique cane and walking stick collectors is priceless. Exchanging stories, information, believes, impressions and, why not, exchanging canes and walking sticks is very important and transforms this occupation from a simple hobby to a professional activity.
Update: My post re bone walking stick. I finally discovered it is a skeletal bone stick inscribed in the Batak language by tribal people of Borneo. I purchased it in Sumatre so it fits. I found exact replica of the inscriptions so I have no doubt Must take hours of work
I’m not good on the computer just learning how to find info…….I have a cane that comes apart with a long sword inside my husband says it has india printed on one side of the blade and looks to be the number 53 on the other side….carved wood design with maybe a bone looking section….HE FOUND IT IN A MOTORHOME SOMEONE GAVE HIM FOR FREE,would like to know what it might be worth,I have other canes I’ve collected that are just wood,bone carvings,bully stick etc.but didnt know they made canes with swords inside….
Hi Jim,
Send a picture of your cane to canes@gadgetcanes.com and I’ll make sure to get it attached to your comment. Don’t worry about the editing, just take the picture and I’ll do the rest.
i have a cane that was my grandfathers it says the baytrill collection on it and has a silver or nickel eagle heead on it i was told it was very old can you tell me the value
Here are some antique canes I have, I’m selling my collection and would like more information about the canes if you can help, and willing to entertain offers.
This cane has a Indian killing a seal with a snake an looks to be a alligator or lizard would like to know more. I think it’s a couple of 100 yrs old any information would be thankful.
This cane is made of one piece of wood an has early marks on it.
This cane is made out of several pieces of horn an is at least 175 yrs old. I would like any info thank you.
Hello,
I have spent a few hours online, plus talking to local antique dealers with no luck.
Can someone help identify the type of wood used in this cane? 35” long, little to no flex.
Thanks so much in advance!.
Regards,
Brad
I have an antique cane that feels heavy and looks like gold. I’m not sure.
The cane is inscribed with the name. JOHN C. LACY. DRYDEN NY.
Also has a set of dates Oct 21st 1808 – Oct 21st 1888. Pictures are shown above.
Please let me know.
Thanks.
I have a cane. That feels havey looks like the handal is made of gold I’m not sure. The cane is inscribed with the name. JOHN C. LACY. DRYDEN. NY.With a set of dates Oct 21st 1808- Oct 21st 1888. Anyone know anything please let me know. Thanks
I have an antique gold cane hallmarked by the same maker as
“Doug” just wondering if anyone could help me out with some information. Thanks.
(Hey Gary, all that came up on your links were images of imitation watches, not antique canes… Can you send again? Thanks…)
Hi
I inherited a few antique canes , I would like to get some imformations about them and what they
might be worth, if they are worth enough i might part with them, i have pics.
I came across this Rosewood shafted, tooled gold topped cane at an estate the other day. I would like to know more about it if possible.
Below are some pictures (simply click on them to see an enlarged version):
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Doug
I had recently visited your website and would like you to take a look at the attached.
This door-to-door salesman kit dates back to 1890. It belonged to a family member at that time and he sold in the state of Ohio. There are a total of 15 samples, silver, gold, and mother of pearl.
I am looking for an interested buyer and see that you connect buyers and sellers. If you have any interest or can recommend any interested parties, I would be most appreciative.
Hi Lay,
I’m not a cane expert, but what I can do when you are ready, is post the pictures on the site and ask everyone to chime in with what they consider it’s worth.
What I would do is contact all the buyers that have expressed an interest in purchasing a gun cane, then forward the email of the ones you’re interested in to you.
Hi there!
I inherited an antique “cane gun” recently. I would like to get some information about it. I do not want to post it (possibly in the near future) I would just like to know what it’s worth, etc. Then I will decide from there. Thanks so much!
Hi Deb,
Send your pictures to canes@gadgetcanes.com and I’ll make sure to get them up on the site so that all the buyers can view them.
Alberto,
I have a collection of antique canes that I inherited and not sure how much they are worth. I can send you pics if it helps. Deb
i am a cane collector and expert published a book and many articles and made communication at canemania ,i would like to give responses to those having antique canes
I have a cane i got from my grandfathers house and i would like to know more about it i have spent hours looking for information and have found none could you help me. it is a cane made from blown glass it is filled with tabacco and water it has a cork in the bottom and a taxation stamp on the side, it looks old but i don’t know if it is a remake or an original please help if you can thanks