Anatomy of a Cane
a cane or walking stick has four main parts:
1. The handle is usually found in
several varieties, the most common being, the Tourist (crook),
the Derby and the Fritz. Please see "Choosing a handle."
2. The collar is usually a band
or disk of metal that attaches the handle to the shaft.
3. The shaft is the straight part
of the cane, usually made of wood, but it can be bone, bamboo,
horn or metal, such as aluminum.
4. The ferrule is the very end of
the cane. These used to be made of copper and other metals to protect
the cane from rot and general wear and tear. Now the ferrule or "tip" of
the cane is made of rubber. Rubber is economical, non skid and
can be easily replaced.
History of Canes
Walking sticks started out as a necessary tool for
the Shepherd and traveler. A nice hefty stick was an excellent
way to protect against thieves and to keep animals in line. Over
time, the walking stick gradually began to be known as a symbol
for power and strength, and eventually authority and social prestige.
Rulers of many cultures, past and present, have carried
some form of walking stick or staff. Egyptian rulers were believed
to have carried staffs varying from three to six feet in length.
These were often topped by an ornamental knob in the shape of a
lotus, a symbol of long life. Ancient Greek gods were often depicted
with a staff in hand.
By the Middle Ages, (in what is now Europe), a scepter
carried in the right hand was a symbol of royal power, while one
in the left hand represented justice. The church also began to
use staffs to denote it's higher offices. A crooked staff with
a hook held by a bishop was a symbol of his role as Shaped to his
congregation. The hook represented the Bishop drawing in his flock
to the church. The use of the word cane for a walking stick began
in the 16th century, when bamboo and other tropical grasses and
reeds began to be used as shafts.
The distinction between sticks and canes is based
on the materials used; sticks were made of ivory, whalebone, ebony
and other valuable woods. Canes were made from Malacca or rattan,
bamboo and other hardy reeds. Quality canes spoke volumes about
a person's wealth and social status.
After the 1600s, canes became fashionable for men
to carry as part of their daily attire. New rules of etiquette
were formed during this time. To break this code of behavior was
considered a violation of good manners. In 1702, the men of London
were required to have a license in order to carry a walking stick
or cane. Cane use was considered a privilege, and gentlemen had
to abide by those rules or lose the privilege
One example of a cane license reads: You are hereby
required to permit the bearer of this cane to pass and repass through
the streets of London, or anyplace within ten miles of it, without
theft or molestation: Provided that he does not walk with it under
his arm, brandish it in the air, or hang it on a button, in which
case it shall be forfeited, and I hereby declare it forfeited to
anyone who shall think it safe to take it from him. Signed________.
(Source: Lester and Oerke Accessories of Dress, Peoria, IL. The
Manual Arts Press.)
In the late 17th Century oak sticks were carried,
especially by the Puritans. The fashion (for men) continued into
the 18th Century. From time to time, women also carried walking
sticks or canes as a fashion accessory.
In the 11th Century, in what we now call France,
women carried slender sticks made of apple wood. Canes came into
fashion again with Marie Antoinette, who was known for carrying
a Shepherd's crook.
In the United States, presidents have often carried
canes and received them as gifts. The Smithsonian has a cane given
to George Washington by Ben Franklin. It features a gold handle
in the shape of a French liberty cap. In our time, walking sticks
are usually only seen with formal attire. Collectors of canes look
for the old, the new and the novel.
Canes with hidden features such as hidden compartments,
pool sticks, and sword canes are popular among collectors. Handles
have been made from many substances, both natural and man-made.
Carved and decorated canes have turned the functional into the
fantastic.
History of the Blind Cane or Shooter Cane
The White cane is tool for independence and a symbol
of our sight impaired citizens. The origin of the white cane has
it's beginning in the time between the two World Wars. James Biggs
of Bristol claims to have invented it in 1921. After losing his
sight and feeling threatened by traffic near his home, he painted
his walking stick white to be more visible to motorists. Ten years
later, in February 1931, Guilly d'Herbemont began a national white
stick movement for the sight impaired in France. In May of the
same year the British Broadcasting Company suggested that white
sticks should be given out to the sight impaired, and that the
white stick or cane should become a universal symbol to indicate
that a person was blind or visually impaired. In North America,
the Lion's club sponsored a similar movement.
After World War II, a dramatic change was made in
the way white canes were used. Doctor Richard Hoover developed
the "long cane" method of cane travel as a means to help blinded veterans
return to a more functional lifestyle. The white cane began to
find its mark in government policy at this time. Peoria passed
the first special White Cane Ordinance in December 1930, granting
visually impaired pedestrians special protections and right-of-way
while carrying the white cane. In 1964 Congress passed a law that
allowed the president to declare a National White Cane Safety Day
to promote awareness and use of the white cane. Lyndon B Johnson
became the first president to declare October 15th as White Cane
Safety Day. Since then, most presidents have continued to recognize
this day as a day to remember that the main barrier that the disabled
face in our society is that of discrimination. The White Cane is
not only a tool, but also a staff that recognizes independence.
Quality
We carry only the best products that meet our high
standards in materials and appearance.
Color
Because our products are made from natural materials
there may be variation in color. The cane you purchase may vary
slightly in appearance from the cane viewed on our website. This
means that each and every cane is unique!
Natural Products
Because our products are made from natural materials
there will be variations in wood grain, color and appearance. Our
canes are unique and environmentally friendly!
Weight Restrictions
Not all canes and walking sticks are made to support
weight. Use discretion and common sense in the use of canes which
are very thin, or have a dual use or feature. For example, for
a sore ankle, use a support cane, not a sword cane.
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