Here we have a rare ceremonial walking cane dedicated to the Benjamin Franklin Tree from 1911. The history of this cane remains a mystery. One theory is that the cane was created from wood from the Benjamin Franklin Tree in Philadelphia. The other theory is that the cane is referencing the extinct plant discovered by John and William Bartram and named after their friend, Benjamin Franklin. Either way, we have a historical cane in our midst.
The engraving states the following:
Benjamin Franklin Tree, Philadelphia, Oct 16 - 21, 1911.
Here's some more information about the Benjamin Franklin Tree plant:
The Franklin tree (Franklinia alatamaha) was a beautiful flowering tree discovered in 1765 by John Bartram and his son William along the Altamaha River in Georgia. Sadly, it went extinct in the wild by the early 1800s. William Bartram, a close friend of Benjamin Franklin, named the tree in his honor. All Franklin trees existing today are descendants of the seeds collected by William Bartram. They are now grown as ornamental trees in gardens and arboreta around the world.
The historical antique cane was part of a Twin Cities collection of unique antique canes. The collector spent decades searching out walking sticks. He had a great eye.
The cane measures just under 36" tall. The cane is quite light. The stick has a slight bend in it's natural state. Please see all pics as they are part of the description.
I ship FedEx to street addresses in the continental USA only (no PO Boxes please). Free shipping on the antique cane.
Philadelphia is in the house. A very cool and historic cane.
