LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 June Civil War Grand Format Auction #663  / 

72206

Confederate General William Mahone's Cane

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:6,000.00 - 8,000.00 USD
Confederate General William Mahone's Cane
<B>Confederate General William Mahone's Cane - Presented to Him by 'The Colored Citizens of Virginia'</B></I> Confederate General William Mahone was revered during the Civil War for being the hero of Petersburg, the citizens honoring him with a magnificent presentation sword for his defense of the city. But Mahone was beloved by the people of his home state in Virginia after the war as well, ultimately electing him to the United States Senate where he served until 1887.<BR><BR>Along the way, the former slave owner championed the cause of education for former slaves and their descendants. He was instrumental in securing funds to found the Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute at Petersburg, the forerunner of the present-day Virginia State University. While serving as a United States Senator, this engraved gold-handled cane was presented to him as a token of the black population's appreciation for his work in education for former slaves and their children.<BR><BR>This 37” cane black cane with an engraved gold knob handle was presented to General Mahone during his service in Washington, DC. The 2½” long knob rises to 1½” in diameter at the end and is elaborately and deeply carved and engraved in a foliate motif. On the end of the gold handle is engraved the following:<BR><BR><B>Senator Wm. Mahone<BR>From the<BR>Colored Citizens<BR>of Virginia<BR>January 30<BR>1882</B></I><BR><BR>The cane has a brass tip at the end and the overall condition is excellent with the gold knob in pristine and sparkling condition. It was a prized possession of the former Confederate general who went on to serve his state, including the black population by whom he was admired and honored with the presentation of the gold and wood cane.<BR><BR><B>Provenance:</B></I> The Don Tharpe Collection of American Military History <BR><BR><B>Published:</B></I> North South Trader's Civil War - Volume XXIV, Number 6.<BR><BR><B>Exhibited:</B></I> The Liberty Heritage Society Museum *****<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Books & Catalogs (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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