From that day forth, the walking stick of the past merged into the cane of the future. Today the terms are used interchangeable, though the saying. The Cane as an Accessory A cane was an important accessory for a man from the late 17th century through the early 20th. A cane made of quality wood, with a silver or gold handle, told of wealth and importance. Cane shafts usually were made of wood, but some interesting examples were made of dried animal skin, animals' spinal columns or even glass.
Collectors search for canes from the past as well as modern folk canes.
Cane handles have been made of silver, gold, bone, glass, porcelain, and other substances. Many were carved or decorated with special features, such as snakes, dogs, humans, hands, feet and the heads of famous people. One popular design was the eagle head. The protruding beak was an ideal shape. Egyptian Staffs Many discoveries in Egypt would indicate that sticks from three to six feet long were frequently carried by Egyptians of exalted rank.