Gold Headed Canes and The Walking Cane

The provenance of these three canes is unknown, however, they have been in the collections of the Royal College of Physicians Edinburgh for some time. The rubber foot on The Walking Cane suggests that it was used for more than ceremonial purposes.

     
  • This Malacca cane has a remarkably unblemished smooth finish.
  • It is very light and has a height of 101 cm.
  • The tassel is made of tougher material, similarly matched with the (slightly dented) copper casing at the foot of the cane.
  • The head of the cane has a simple floral design, similar to image 1209.
  • Unfortunately, despite a similar appearance to the other three Malacca canes, no documentation exists to reveal more about whom this cane belonged to, nor when it was acquired.
  • This Malacca cane is the longest in the collection reaching 126 cm in height.
  • The tassel is of a greater quality than the former with a satin finish.
  • The end of the cane is well worn, with the brass cap broken at the tip to reveal the Malacca.
  • The gold head of the cane is inscribed with a simple and symmetrical floral print design, but it is the lettered inscription that is of particular interest. Surrounding the circumference of the cane, it reads:

“80 CH MD HAP, 81 JWBH JBT RHB, 83 DM AD PBH, 84 RH NPW DW JHF, 85 GMR HJS HAT TJT, 86 THB GLG MHL, 87 JCD SCF GOCM RT JBS, 88 RA FDB ALG RM AM WF JR JLS” (It should be noted that neither 82  or 89 appear in this series).
  • A cane consisting of a glossed cherry wood finish, and modest head, it is significantly altered from the uniform appearance of the Malacca canes.
  • The bottom of the cane has a rubber casing indicating that perhaps this cane was actually a walking aid to one of the physicians at the College, rather than a ceremonial or symbolic prop.
  • The handle of the cane includes a very small floral embellishment and smooth head that features the inscription “C.C.Boyd”.
  • This cane is light to carry and measures 97.5 cm.