Matthew Holmes’ Cane

Matthew Holmes’ Cane

This cane likely belonged to Matthew Holmes, a well-respected Scottish physician. He was resident surgeon at the Chalmers Hospital for Children in Edinburgh from 1903-1906, after which he moved to New Zealand and was a Lieutenant in WWI. Holmes died in New Zealand during the great influenza epidemic of 1918.

• This mahogany cane is simple in its design, and unique in featuring a wooden head.

• Its appearance is smooth and glossed with slight flecking, with the small silver label inscribed “Matthew Holmes 1903”.

• The cane is very heavy to carry and measures 93 cm.