Description:
California Gold Quartz Presentation Cane, c. 1860, gold knob inlaid on the top with polished quartz with gold in the matrix, the side panels engraved to depict a miner with a shovel, a rider on horseback, an Indian holding a bow, and a cowboy twirling a lasso; engraved on the side of the knob with three presentation inscriptions reading: "S.C. Fogus to A.C. Wilgus California," "Mrs. Lucy Wilgus to John Tudor Miller 1889," and "John Tudor Miller to Thomas Evans Oct. 1889," on a figured snakewood shaft with white metal ferrule and iron tip, lg. 34 1/8 in.
Provenance: Tradewinds Antique Cane Auction, April 26, 2014, Lot 2.
Note: Shelton C. Fogus arrived in California in 1849 and set up a general store in Sacramento where he was a merchant until he moved to Virginia City, Nevada, to prospect for gold.
Estimate $6,000-8,000
The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.
Keywords
Tradewinds, Thomas Evans, Lucy Wilgus, Shelton C. Fogus, John Tudor Miller, Sacramento, Virginia CityStephen L. Fletcher
Partner/Executive Vice President and Chief Auctioneer
Director of American Furniture & Decorative Arts
508-970-3000
Christopher D. Fox
Vice President
Director, Historic Arms & Militaria
Associate Deputy Director, American Furniture & Decorative Arts
508-970-3200
Paul O’Hara
Business Administrator, American Furniture & Decorative Arts
508-970-3224