Walking Cane - Whale Bone. Early 19th century

This whale bone walking cane is a true piece of United States history. It stands roughly 40" tall with a whale bone handle and tip. The shaft of the cane is a solid teak wood with mother of pearl decoration. There is also a loop hole made of carved bone on the shaft. 

The real beauty lies in the carving on the bone. It tells the story of the owner and the cane's history. The ship on the top of the cane is the USS Constitution, on the sides of the handle are images of the Great Seal of the United States, an early version of the American flag called the Cowpens Flag, and images of whaling and horse trading. This flag was popular between the late 1790s and 1820s. The Initials G.M.C. can be seen on one side of the handle. Those initials correspond to an able seamen named George Coombs who served on the USS Constitution during the war of 1812. During the war, he was discharged from service due to a fractured patella, thus requiring him to use walking canes for the rest of his life. He lated retired in Boston where he served as a hand aboard whaling ships and dockside where he helped take in the catch and cargo. 

This cane is in fantastic condition and is one of the most interesting pieces of Maritime and United States history you could ever find. It is one of a kind and ready to set sail on it's next grand adventure. 

40" long with a 2" diameter hilt