Collecting Antique Canes

When it comes to collections it is possible that antique canes, walking sticks and gadget umbrellas might just be the most interesting collections of all.  There was a time in history where you the streets were lined with well dressed ladies and gentlemen all carrying a cane, umbrella or walking stick of one kind or another.  In times of yesteryear it was not for support that these devices were used but instead to accentuate an outfit, show a level of status and wealth.

Antique canes, from the nineteenth and early twentieth century’s were often made from rare and unique materials.  Materials like ivory, tortoiseshell, enamel, porcelain, gold, silver, various precious and semi precious stones were used to create rare walking sticks, unique antique canes and unusual gadget canes.

These items often told a story.  The materials that were used, the carvings that were engraved and materials that were blended together all were used to express the history of the time.  The events of the time were chronicled within these unpretentious accessories.

“Shadow canes” are a prime example of this.  Upon first glance shadow canes look to be a simple stick in which the handle top is designed with concentric rings.  When a light is cast upon the cane it reveals a shadow.  The silhouette tended to be of a controversial figure of the time.  Also known as the Napoleon Shadow Cane, as supporters of the dynasty used them to pledge their allegiance during his infamous exile.

Canes come from three basic categories: decorative, gadget and weapon canes.  The most intriguing element of antique canes is that there is one that matches any interest the collector may have.  A Faberge Cane is a style of cane that uses a combination of elegant materials including precious stones to create an accessorial piece.  When it comes to those that are interested in music there are Dulcimer and Flute canes.  This style of cane is incredibly rare and includes a system of working systems built directly into the canes shaft to create music.

A rare type of weapon cane that is familiar to most collectors is the La Diabolique.  These canes were eventually outlawed.  The stealthy sticks were used by wealthy Protestants during the Revolution.  When someone in the crowd would grab the piece, the force would release little metal spikes along the shaft and would shred the attacker’s hand.  The owner of the cane could release the spikes by simply tapping the cane quickly on the ground.

There are so many stories to be told through collecting especially when it comes to antique canes, gadget canes, and weapon canes.  To view more on cane collections check out antique cane collections online today.


Antique Cane World is an online retailer of antique canes, walking sticks and umbrellas.  Contact us today for more information on antique canes, unique umbrellas and more at http://www.antiquecaneworld.com/.

Heraldic Arms Tell A Story When Used To Design Hand Crafted Canes

As individuals age their balance often becomes compromised. Over time the use of a cane stops being optional and becomes a necessity. When choosing a walking stick or cane as an everyday accessory it is important that not only does it function properly but that is also offers and aesthetic value. 

Many hand carved canes use heraldic symbols as a way to offer visual appeal and bring meaning to a piece making this style popular amongst cane owners. These symbols and their classifications have intrigued people for ages. Family history can often be connected by examining the coat of arms and the symbols within. 

Each symbol represents an individual, family, community, society or city all found one of several classifications of heraldic arms. Having an understanding of these classifications and symbols brings to life the symbols within hand carved canes. With the inclusion of such in a cane users are allowed to draw the focus away from the practical use of the cane and allow it to be on the canes meaning. 

Heraldic Symbol Classification

Arms of Succession: Arms of succession are used to represents inheritance from bequest, entail or donation. 

Arms of Community: This type of heraldic symbol is most often used to represent corporate institutions such as a university or city. 

Arms of Dominion: The dominion usually represents the arms of the state often held by kings or sovereigns. These symbols are not allowed to be modified or adjusted by a change in dynasty or ruler. 

Arms of Pretension: A king or prince who own or stake claim to other territories often hold the heraldic symbol of pretension. Since it is only partially owned the symbol is displayed in the territory. 

Arms of Concession: These arms are given when extreme bravery or good virtue is shown. 

Paternal Arms: Paternal arms belong to and outline a certain family's ancestry. These heraldic symbols are not allowed to be duplicated. This would be seen as a breach of conduct. Over time the symbols are allowed to be modified because of this some symbols are hardly recognizable and have lost their original significance. 

Arms of Alliance: After marriage the arms of alliance is granted. This new set of arms represents the bond now shared between the two families. 

Arms of Patronage: Followers of a king often wear the arms of patronage. The symbol is a variation of the original arm of their leader. 

Arms of Office: Associates of a ruler often are granted the arms of office. This is the same design as the kings with a slight alteration. 

Each coat of arms offers a story. The classifications and meanings of heraldic symbols tell a unique story. A cane carved with a coat of arms and individual heraldic symbols offers a dual purpose: user stability and aesthetic art with a story. The story behind the cane makes using the cane about something other than the individual's loss of stability which is an important factor to many users. Antique canes draw in a wide variety of users for the same reason. It is important for this to be passed on to younger generations and talking about the designs on canes is a great way to pass the information all while achieving the stability that is needed.

Antique Cane World is an online retailer of antique canes, walking sticks and umbrellas. Contact us today for more information on antique canes, unique umbrellas and more at http://www.antiquecaneworld.com/.

Contemporary Canes Designed To Match Your Need

Canes offer extra support in walking to many individuals. A cane is often used to help maximize an individual's balance while helping to maintain their physical mobility. There are a variety of canes available on the market today depending on the amount of support needed and other special requirements. It may take some time and a bit of trial and error to find a cane that meets your exact need but once you do the drastic difference in your ability to get around will be unbelievable.

Many caregivers, physicians and physical therapists offer specialty services to help fit individuals with a proper walking aide for their situation. With a little bit of direction from a professional you can see the differences in each cane and how they affect the canes usage. This will better help you along the way to finding an exact match for your situation.

For the most part canes used today are all fit with a non-skirt rubber tip to keep the slipping experienced to a minimum. Below you will find a list of different style canes and a description of each to see how the variations can change their ease of usage for different individuals.

One of the most common canes used today is an offset cane. This style of cane is used to provide extra support for proper balance to individuals with wrist problems and a lack of strength. The cane is designed in a manner that allows the user to grip the cane even is unable to hold it firmly.

For extra balance the quad cane was designed. This option is to increase stability and does so by offering a four post base. Quad canes are adjustable and designed to be customized to the user. Overweight cane users find quad canes essential for added balance and stability to support their extra weight.

A standard crook cane is another popular style. Many antique canes and decorative canes are created with the standard crook design. This style offers a relaxed grip that is comfortable for most users. This style was developed to reduce the stress that cane usage can put on an individual's hand.

An orthopedic grip cane was created to help spread the weight and pressure of the grip evenly across the user's palm. When a cane is newly introduced the user may experience discomfort from supporting extra weight and balancing all of their bodyweight with the use of the cane, palm and wrist. An orthopedic grip can often help alleviate this discomfort.

Standard aluminum canes are designed for lightweight users under two hundred and fifty pounds. They offer a curved handle while being designed out of a lightweight aluminum. This makes them light and convenient to use for those users looking for a bit of help with balance and are not yet completely dependent on the extra support.

When it comes to choosing a cane consult with a professional to offer their insight into what type of cane best fits your situation. They can evaluate your current mobility and gauge what cane best will fit your circumstance as you continue to age.

Antique Cane World is an online retailer of antique canes, walking sticks and umbrellas. Contact us today for more information on antique canes, unique umbrellas and more at http://www.antiquecaneworld.com/.