The Cane is fashioned from a tree limb that is stripped of all bark creating a smooth and undulating surface accented by the protruding knots that dot the length of the shaft. There is a simple, hand carved, bone knob and it appears that the Cane never had a ferule.

    The Cane measures approx. 38" long overall with the "knob" of the Cane measuring approx. 1 1/4” in diameter. It should be noted that this Cane has not been “carved” in any way but the Civil War Veteran who produced this beautiful Relic cane, carefully chose a limb from the Antietam Battlefield, stripped the bark from the shaft and added the bone knob as seen in the scans below.

    The Cane came to us with a partial identification tag that is dated November 14, 1943 with manuscript text that reads “(Souveni)r of Antietam Battlefield my father Seth A. Roulett brought from a visit there in 1890. It was a stick that he liked to carry on walks in the woods of farm. / (signed)C./ T. Roulett / 11-14-‘43”.

    The entire cane is fashioned from a single piece of wood and the Folk Art style makes for a very attractive piece. Over and above the Folk Art qualities of this wonderful Relic Cane, it also represents a poignant Civil War Veteran’s tribute to those who fought valiantly at the Battle of Antietam.

    There are no “cartoonish” heads of Union Generals nor Encampment “Souvenir” carvings - just the quiet, respectful tribute to a Soldier’s respect and allegiance - an understated and sublime artifact that only one who “saw the Elephant” would appreciate.

    The Cane is in very good condition with a beautiful warm and rich age patina and a pattern of wear consistent with handling over approx. 135 years. There are no breaks, chips, damage or repairs of any kind to the wood but there is honest, age appropriate wear to the surface and some very old white paint spills on the shaft (see the scans below). There is a natural age split in the bone know and the knob exhibits surface soiling and darkening from handling. The original paper tag has lost its left hand edge and another tag from the same period and from the same source has been used to complete the Tag so that it can still hang from the Cane as it has for the past 80+ years.

     A rare and wonderfully fashioned, Folk Art Civil War / Antietam Battlefield Relic Cane and a fantastic addition to any Cane, Folk Art or Civil War collection!!!