Cane

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Status

Not on view

Date1850-1865

Maker Unknown

Geography

Medium/TechniqueWood (unidentified), copper alloy, silver (?)

DimensionsOverall: 37 1/2 in. × 4 1/4 in. × 2 in. (95.25 cm × 10.8 cm × 5.08 cm)

Credit LinePurchased by the William and Lisa Moore Acquisition Endowment Fund, 2017

Object numberM-5528

DescriptionA wooden cane with a bent handle, made from a tree branch. The branch is stripped of bark with natural imperfections of the wood remaining. The handle is carved with figures from the seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia, including a female figure (Virtus) wearing a dress and holding a spear in her left hand and a sword in her right, with her foot resting upon a male figure (Tyranny) lying prostrate on the ground. The cap of the cane’s handle is inscribed with the Commonwealth’s motto: “SIC / SEMPER / TYRANNIS”. Below the inscription is a silver (?) plaque inscribed in script “Dr. Miller / from / Mt. Vernon.”

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