Cane made of maple owned by James Buchanan. Long, tapered with tip and 2-part handle of ivory. Handle grip is in the shape of a lily or trumpet flower. Lower section is elaborately carved w/ high-relief eagle on a background of leaves, stars and banner w/ "E PLURIBUS UNUM". Inscribed in black on side of handle in script is "James Buchanan / from E.C.L." Believed to be gift of Elizabeth Chapman Lawrence, friend of Buchanan and Harriet Lane.
Provenance
Descent from Buchanan to James B. Lane, grand nephew, then to donor's husband, grandson of J. B. Lane.
Cracks in handle and separation. Stains on wood. Ivory tip scarred.
Object ID
W.89.58
Notes
The cane was owned by James Buchanan and at his death given to James B. Lane, his grand nephew. It was passed down to the donors husband as grandson of James B. Lane.
Black oil painted walking stick with metal tip and embellished gold crown. Decorative 2 inch long metal button's top engraved. Smoothly finished with dark, ebony like color. At tip, a 1 inch metal band and a .25 inch metal bottom .5 inch diameter. Stick on label reads: This cane belonged to the father of W. W. Griest, US Congressman for whom Griest building was named. Anne Griest Klaus great grand-daughter.
Engraving on top of crown reads, "June 17. / 182- 1894 / Edward Griest / Lancaster, PA. / From his children / and / grandchildren."