Antique Fraternal Carved Heart In Hand Ceremonial Staff Topper

Description

The Heart in Hand piece has always been the cornerstone of Fraternal Collectibles and Antiques. This particular Heart in Hand was hand carved and was originally placed on the top of a staff for use in ceremonies. There are only guesses as to it's symbolism but the Shakers used it as a symbol of "Charity from the heart". The detail of this particular carved piece is wonderful but most uncommon are the carved veins carved in the heart, very unusual.
The hand is 10 3/8" tall x 4" wide and 2 1/4" thick and is mounted on a black painted wooden stand.
There is expected wear to the surface but it is very minor for the age of this piece which could be as early as the late 19th century.
Item ID:
3935
UNIQUE  FRATERNAL CATTLE HORN  ODD  FELLOWS WALKING STICK  CANE
Collected by an Art professor from Oshkosh, Michigan
He decided to sell the collection twenty years ago, and this is one  unusual cane from  the collection.
Others  from collection available.
Odd Fellows  Paternal Organization-Walking Stick-circa
Late 19th century
Cat #4
This cane measures approximately 36-inches in length.
A unique  CATTLE HORN TIP surrounded by the  circular oddfellow chain emblems- Walking stick  of hard wood,  Odd Fellows "chain" in brass  and silver gilt adorning the  top and shaft.
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows was founded on the North American Continent in Baltimore, Maryland, on April 26, 1819 when  the
members of the Order from England instituted Washington Lodge No. 1. This lodge received its charter from Manchester Unity of Odd Fellows in England.
By profession this collector was an artist and instructor and a cane collector by passion. He seemed to focus on collecting eclectic canes.  He seems to have spent time  enthusiastically  researching and  collecting walking sticks for over 30 years . This collector amassed an extensive collection of walking sticks that included gadgets, historical, glass, weapons, unusual objects and folk canes. His tastes were eclectic, though with a consistent preference for fine materials and distinctive designs.  His instinctive good taste, intellectual curiosity, and pure pleasure in buying shaped the remarkable collection.
...FOR AN AVID   COLLECTOR of  the Unusual!
During the 18th century, a cane was as much a part of a well turned out gentleman’s attire as a snuffbox and starched collar, and walking sticks served more than one purpose.  Few cane makers marked their work so it’s difficult to trace the origin, but sometimes you can tell by a craftsman’s style, and you can often date a cane by the design. Age, rarity and quality of workmanship are what collectors’ desire.
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