GOLD-TOPPED WALKING STICK ATTRIBUTED TO GEN. WILHELM FRIEDRICH VON STEUBEN
A gentleman's fancy walking stick attributed to Continental Army Gen. Wilhelm Friedrich von Steuben, descended down in his Pennsylvania family and obtained by a collector at auction in the 1980s. This fine 32" cane bears a finely-cast gold-plated silver top bearing on its upper surface a crown representing a baron or other member of lower royalty. The sides display horsemen in tricorn hats pointing pistols, crossed swords, and cannons, all typical of the late 1700s. The body of the cane is a light wood with a nearly indistinguishable grain.It tapers to a 1 3/4" metal cap with a tip worn at a relatively sharp ange indicative of a user who depended on the cane for some support while walking. The cane also bears a twisted wire hanger which is likely a later addition. It is accompanied by some genealogical notes, etc. in the hand of Mina von Steuben which were obtained in the same auction, along with research tying the woman to her famous antecedent, and original and copy of letters of provenance. Excellent condition.