Rare and important carved hickory ship captain cane Probably New England, mid 19th century

Kristina Barbara Johnson, Princeton, New Jersey
Sotheby Parke-Bernet, "The Barbara Johnson Whaling Collection, Part III," April 29-30, 1983, lot 484

"Hunt for the Whale," American Folk Art Museum, 1968
"American Radiance: Highlights of the Ralph Esmerian Gift to the American Folk Art Museum," de Menil Gallery at Groton School, Groton, Massachusetts, October 15-December 15, 2002
"Compass: Folk Art in Four Directions," New York, The South Street Seaport Museum, June 20-October 7, 2012

Bishop, Robert. American Folk Sculpture, New York: E.P. Dutton, 1974, p. 347
American Radiance: The Ralph Esmerian Gift to the American Folk Art Museum, p. 365, fig. 330

Crack left side of hat through brim, small chip.
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With brass ferule, the freestanding figure that serves as the handle for this unique cane is a rare feature among 19th-century walking sticks. Carved in the round, a stern gentleman is rendered with several fine details, including a dour facial expression, small arms that are partially engaged in the body, creased trousers, and a delicate cane that rests on his right shoe. Wearing a frock coat and top hat, the figure does, in fact, bear a strong resemblance to a mid-19th century Nantucket or southern New England ship captain or ship owner. -R.S.