[Blindtlk] Question about an old cane...

[James Kelm]

Dear friends,

    I have what may be a rather unusual question, but I’m hoping that you may have an idea for me.  Recently my wife (who is sighted) was in the hospital.  When the older lady who was my wife’s “roommate” learned that I was blind, she in formed my wife that the roommate and her husband once owned and operated an antique shop.  She told my wife that she had a special gift for me.

    The next day my wife’s roommate’s husband brought a hard wood white cane, and presented it to my wife.  The husband told my wife that the cane was made in the 1940’s.

    The cane looks to be in very nice condition.  It is made of hard wood, and has a Shepard's hook handle.  The tip is metal.  My wife tells me that the Shepard's hook handle is done in a natural wood finish, while the body of the cane is painted white.  From about a foot up from the bottom going all the way down to the bottom, the cane is painted red.

    Does anyone know anything about this type of cane?  Is it worth anything to collectors, or is it simply a thoughtful gift from a sighted couple to a blind guy?  I can’t really see myself using this cane, but my wife is rather excited at what she thinks might be an antique.  What do you guys think?


Respectfully,
James Kelm