From Kristie who is selling her cane collection.
Below is a Shark Backbone Cane that is for sale.
This cane is made from a shark back bone, in fact, the backbone is the one bone sharks have.
Please send more info if you can about this cane.
Thank you.
From Kristie:
To whom this may concern;
I have a commemorative Craddock Thomas Jefferson cane signed by J.H Buckley. He was friends with Jefferson and Adams. He is known for his American Indian treaty an also for the Louis and Clark expedition
Any information would be greatly appreciated.
To whom this may concern;
I have a 1860 Caleb Cushing Cane and looking for the information and value of this item. I’ve attached 4 photos to identify it below, simply click on the image to see the full sized picture.
On the cane it has a silver band that says “To Caleb Cushing From The Democrats of Colts Armory April 2, 1860 Charter Oak. The cane has a eagle head and on the back of the head has a oak leave and two acorns it measures 34” without the tip.
The cane was one of three given that I know of. On April 13, 1860 the new York times says “ the committee say they desire thereby to evince “our appreciation of the efforts of those gentlemen, who, at great personal inconvenience, and with marked effect, aided the democratic party of the state of Connecticut in its and almost successful struggle to put down Black Republican opposition. “if this be the fact , the mayors services to the Democracy must have been worth at least $25,000.00, considering the intrinsic and historical value of the present.
The canes were given to Mr. Woods of new York who was mayor, Mr. Wright of Penn. An attorney gen Caleb Cushing. Mr .Wrights cane just been sold for around $100,000.00 at auction. I think my cane is way more important considering the man that owned it. The cane is also made from the famous an historical tree named “the charter oak “ that fell in 1850 an Sam Colt bought a piece to make gun handles an these three canes
Any information would be greatly appreciated. Please contact me by email
Thank you,
Mr. Everetts
Kristie states that this cane is from the southern express company dated 1893 an has a name that says W. H. Hendee and I believe he was the president of this company. Please send any information on this item.
We found the following that may help others determine the value of this alligator cane; There is a book about the life of Henry Bradley Plant, founder and president of the Plant system of railroads and steamships and also of the Southern Express Company that was digitized by Google. In this book, Executives of the Southern Express Company write to Mr. and Mrs. H, B Plant asking them to accept this gift as an evidence of the affectionate regard in which they hold their honored President and his Wife.
They beg that you accept the testimonial, the spirit which has prompted it, and with the assurance
that to your ‘wedded love’ is indissolubly lined their respect, admiration and affection,
Henry Bradley Plant 305
Wolfe, P. B. Wilkes, W. J. Brown, F. R. Osborne, O. M. Sadler, C. T. Campbell, V. Spalding, H. C Fisher, M. F. Plant, F. J. Virgin, C. Pink, C. L Loop, W. C. Agee, F. Q. Brown, J. C. Stuart, L Minor, R. B. Smith, W. B. Menzies, John Lovette, E. J. Loughman, J. T. James, W. H. Hendee, S. E, Golibart, E. M. Williams, J. C. Barry, W. R. Twy man, E. C. Spence, L. Kuder, C. R. Smith, J. B Gartrell, M. Culliny, A. Welsh, G. W. Agee, C. L Myers, W. K. Haile, W. A. Mehegan, R. G. Erwin C. H. Albright, W. M. Shoemaker, H. C. Menden hall, G. H. Tilley, A. McD. Mailings, J. W. Gaines T. W. Leary, C. G. McCormick, W. W. Hulbert, K C. Barrett, M. F. Loughman, E. F. Gary, J. J. Cross well, E. J. Michelin, T. T. Weltch, Thomas Grier, R. A. Buckner, H. M. Smith, M. J. O’Brien, W. S McFarland, E. G. Williams.
This railroad being in Florida (alligator alley?) and W. H. Hendee an officer at the time matches with the alligator cane. We can not confirm this, but should help in further research.
Also found was “The Plant Line steamer La Grande Duchesse sailed this morning from Halifax for Charlottetown via Port Hawkesbury. The big liner was a little late in arriving yesterday owing to a short stoppage on the voyage, caused by a temporary derangement of the machinery. She brought 550 passengers, being some 200 or 300 less than on the previous trips … Prominent among those who came down in the steamer were W.H. Hendee of New York, private secretary of R.G. Ervin, president of the Plant system …” – [Halifax Daily Echo, 24 July 1899] ”
Also see the Federal Motor Company, Tulsa Okla which was incorporated with a capital stock of $13,000 by H. H. Gries, E. A. Ross and W. H. Hendee on May 13, 1915 which may offer pictures of Hendee with this cane?
Excellent photos of a antique Grain Sampling Cane for sale by a visitor to GadgetCanes.com named Marc Johnson. Marc bought the cane from a room occupied by Brocante, Tasinato Severino (Tel 06 02 95 24 83, Siret 326 797 867 00032, No 326 797 867).
This is one of five canes that Marc purchased that day, three he has given away to friends and all that remains is this grain sampling cane and an antique telescope cane.
Marc would like to know more about the cane and is willing to sell it to a serious buyer. If you are interested, you can get ahold of Marc Johnson at Marc Eric Johnson 210 Taylor Street, STE 7, Port Townsend, WA 98368. His phone number is 1-360-302-0611 and email marcericjo@mac.com.
If you have more information about this cane, please leave a comment and share it with everyone.
This is an excellent example of a Telescope Cane in great detail and was submitted by Marc Johnson and taken with his D700 with a Zeiss lens.
Marc picked this up in a room occupied by Brocante, Tasinato Severinoin Lyons France and purchased 5 canes, this is one of two canes that remain. He has given the other three to friends and would like more information on this one. The other cane is a Grain Sampling Cane.
Marc Johnson is open to any serious offers for either or both of these canes and can be contacted at 210 Taylor Street, STE 7, Port Townsend, WA 98368
Phone 1-360-302-0611 and email of marcericjo@mac.com
Have more information about this Telescope cane that you would like to share? Please, leave a comment!
Depending on your Cane Map, you can expect anywhere from $100 to $5,000 depending on the year and design. Below are some great pictures by Cheyanne displaying her antique cane she’s considering selling.
Here is what she writes:
HELLO, i came across your email address on a forum at Contact cane sellers, my grandfather has a map cane from the 1930′s and is looking to find the value and or maybe sell it.
Above are a few images and here is what is on the label/sticker of the cane. The American Legion Convention 1940-Paul Revere Rides Again.
Does anyone have any information on this map cane and what it might be worth?
Thanks,
Cheyanne
Have a gadget cane that pops out a map? If so, send me pictures and I’ll get it listed for you. If you know what a listed here might be worth, please leave a comment and help out! – Thanks!
This section is dedicated to sword canes; if you have one that you would live more information about, or looking to sell your cane, then leave a comment below. If you have pictures, please send them to me at this email address: canes@gadgetcanes.com.
Below is the first email I received from Brad which included pictures.
Hi Folks,
I have a sword cane that I would like to sell.
I have no history to offer but I have a good description and tons of pictures. This was purchased as part of an estate in NH. I am ready to ship immediately. I would love to see this piece fall into the hands of someone who can appreciate it.
Thank you,
Brad
anothermanstreasurenh (at) gmail.com
Description:
This hand crafted antique walking cane presents with a brass head cap, a hand carved decorative ivory banding, knurled locking brass collar, and brass finial.
By twisting brass collar a quarter turn, the wooden sheath can be removed to expose the 23″ forged blade. The blade has one edge and comes to sharp point.
Light surface rust is present on the blade, but not pitted. The wooden handle has a small chip and the wooden sheath has a chip missing and some linear splits (all pictured).
Every thing is original and functions properly.
Cane Length=36″ Blade=23″unmarked.I think that this gadget cane is in good condition for it’s age-I am no expert-There are nicks and dents present on this item along with other things associated with it’s age-oxidation etc.-I have tried to note every condition problem of this item both in words and pics.
Free shipping & insurance for this item. (US ONLY)
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.
The tortoiseshell cane handle is a very unique material that was used in the past in making the cane handle. Due to the fact that tortoiseshell is very rare and fragile and this kind of handle requires several pieces belonging to only one animal, new innovative replacements were found, such as the bakelite.
The craft of tortoiseshell cane handles is no longer available, so all the surviving pieces are authentic antiques. Opposite to this fact, the bakelite began to be used recently, in the 20th century and this plastic is considered to be the most authentic replacement for the tortoiseshell.
Bakelite Cane Handle
Bakelite is a durable plastic with nonconductive and heat-resistant properties and it is used in various industries. In cane making, the bakelite is the base for mass-production of lower quality canes. These canes serve as great replacements for the tortoiseshells canes and, at the same time, they are economical and durable.
The apparent resemblance between the two materials is deceiving and in order to avoid confounding them, a punctilious observation is required. First of all, the most relevant test is observing the joint line that the plastic object has, as all bakelite items consist of 2 parts, molded together.
Even more, if observing all the details of the cane, there can be found some cavities or marks that represent the extraction of the piece from the die. Secondly, besides the optical characteristics, the bakelite also presents a specific plastic smell, if it is burned or intensely rubbed.
Tortoiseshell Cane Test
A simple test is very relevant in this case: a hot needle should be applied on a hidden surface of the handle. While the tortoiseshell smells like burned hair, the bakelite handle smells like burned plastic or kerosene. Even if just rubbing the fingers on the plastic surface, an acid odor is emitted, which makes the identification quite obvious.
Although these antique cane tests will help you determine the authenticity of a tortoiseshell handle, it is not intended to be the final test. Always consult an expert cane collector!
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