Century Carved Folk Art Portrait Cane

An early bark on Hickory walking stick. The handle is a boldly carved head of a man.  Hair is detailed on the back of the head though a series of shallow carved wavy lines. On the very top of the head is a shallow carved heart with what may be initials in the center. The head was carved separately from a thicker block and applied to the shaft. The man's severely sour expression makes one wonder what his relationship was to the maker. The cane is untouched and carries a superb surface. Missing ferrule.

American, circa 1860-1880

Length  34.75"

Width  1.5"