Orthopedic canesвЂ“used by the lame or temporarily injuredвЂ“are rarely of interest to collectors. Virtually all canes of interest to collectors were originally used as fashion accessories, not for orthopedic purposes.

Rather than constantly repeat both terms, though, only 'cane' will be used for the remainder of this article. 'Cane' and 'walking stick' are essentially interchangeable when referring to collectible pieces. But with a little study, anyone can recognize most of the mass produced reproductions and typical marriages commonly found in online auctions, local flea markets, tag sales, malls and shows. Add American-sounding names and 19th century dates to painted twigs from Indonesia and you have a folk art presentation cane.Дetecting elaborate fakes of rarities typically found only in specialty cane auctions takes years of study and experience and is best left to cane experts.

Small clocks and cigar cuttersвЂ“welded, glued or boltedвЂ“become gadget canes. A war surplus bayonet is reborn as a sword cane. Then there's the problem of genuinely old bits and chunks and parts and pieces being assembled or 'married' into antique canes. Take your pick of sword canes, folk carved wood or glass-eyed metal cobras.

Everything from $10 Asian imports to $500 'executive' gifts. Canes and walking sticks tests for age, authenticityД«rowse any mail order gift catalog, wander any antique reproduction warehouse and you'll see a wide variety of new canes and walking sticks.

Carving walking canes