Bronze-colored metal coin. Face: Head of Thaddeus Stevens with his name and years "1792" and "1868." Interior border of tiny dentals around circumference of coin on both sides.
Reverse: Torch, top center; beribboned curved bough with leaves and berries on lower left. "1792 to 1868 / Champion of the Free Schools, Friend of the Poor and Downtrodden"
Walking cane used by Congressman Thaddeus Stevens late in life. Made of a tree branch with irregularities and smoothed knots; unusual wood with pronounced grain. Grip end curves into a burled knob. Glossy finish.
Silver cap on tip of grip is engraved: "This cane / was the property / of Hon. Thaddeus Stevens / during his latter days. / Presented to H.A. Zug, 1868." Bottom end wrapped with a 1.25" wide brass collar and an iron tip.
Provenance
Zug's relationship to Stevens is unknown. Henry A. Zug (22 Aug 1825 - 22 Apr 1890) married Fannie Hershey (5 Jul 1819 - ??) on 19 Nov 1844. Resided in Lancaster City.
In 1871 Henry Zug was a pharmaceutist at 44 E. Chestnut.
In 1873-74 Zug was a custom house inspector at 41 W. Orange St.
1880 Census says Zug was a "dealer in produce".
Death ceritificate of 1890 notes occupation as "druggist supplies".
His daughter, donor Lola Zug (9 Dec 1861 - 28 Jul 1952), was unmarried and a teacher in city.
