A magnificent tour of canes and staffs from the late seventeenth through the twentieth century in both folk art and formal designs. Color photographs provide a sweeping survey of the varying cane forms available to collectors today, including canes with handles bearing human and animal forms, scrimshaw and glass canes, gadget and weapons canes, political, and presentation canes. There is something to peak anyone's interest among these beautiful and engaging sticks. Even historic events and relics amy be found among the canes pictured here. Both rare and common canes are presented in an impressive visual format. Cane terminology, dating techniques, and formal cane etiquette are among the topics discussed in this collector's handbook. Photographs are arranged in broad categories to provide a sense of the scope of human imagination rendered in these magnificent sticks

Over 760 beautiful color photographs display hundreds of canes & walking sticks that span centuries and a multitude of designs. Elegant formal styles include handles of gold, silver, and ivory. Innovative system sticks display a vast array of objects hidden within their shafts and handles (including a working violin). Fascinating relic canes were produced from shipwrecks and historical sites. Forbidding Memento Mori canes and exotic forms represent dozens of nations around the globe. Folk art sticks bear decorations as unique as the artists who created them. This wide-ranging volume weaves historical tales through the narrative, bringing walking sticks to life in the reader's imagination. Additionally, discussions of walking stick anatomy, care, etiquette, and valuation are included, along with an extensive bibliography and index. Values for the canes displayed are found in the captions. This book will be enjoyed by every walking stick collector and a fascinating read for all who have been intrigued by the romance of walking sticks.

Create innovative and imaginative wooden cane handles in a wide variety of shapes. The 169 clear color photos detail the process and provide examples sure to inspire wood carvers, cane makers, and cane collectors alike. Featured are examples in zebra, Colorplay, and holly woods in the female form, as birds, animals, lips, and low relief decoration. Wood carving canes can be fun with this book.