Here we have a rare ceremonial walking cane commemorating the Ohio centennial in 1888. Check out the curling brass tag stating "1788 Centennial 1888." I'm guessing this is a cane made for the Ohio centennial exposition in 1888. Read more about it here.
The carved folk art cane is signed "W.A.K." about midway down the cane (see pic). The wood carver is a mystery to me. I can say that I love his work. The cane is slick with the snake-like bark contrasting with the exposed inner wood. The glaze works nicely with the unique surface. I'm unsure of the wood type.
I wouldn't actually use this for walking. It won't do the job. This one's for display and showing off.
The cane was part of a huge Twin Cities collection of amazing antique canes. The collector spent years searching out walking sticks ranging from silver to folk art wood carvings. He had a great eye.
The cane measures just under 35" tall. The cane is quite light. The metal tip at the bottom is a little loose but it's not going anywhere. There are a few spots where a small piece of bark flaked off. The stick has a slight bend in it's natural state. Please see all pics as they are part of the description.
I ship to the continental USA only. Free shipping on the cane.
This one makes me yearn for the banks of the ol' Ohio river. It's a great piece of folk art and even better piece of history. Don't miss out.
