Gold-bearing Quartz Cane & Late-19th-Century Folk Carved Cane by Thomas Craddock Highlight Kimball Sterling Sale

This summer, the Antique Canes Auction from Kimball Sterling will offer an octagonal gold quartz stone handle cane as a leading lot. The gold quartz is set in a gold case with a presentation on the side and various other decorations, a hardwood shaft, and a horn ferrule. Gold-bearing quartz like this is a rare form of natural gold found only in a few locations in the world. Gold quartz has natural veins of gold formed millions of years ago by hydrothermal pressure deep within the Earth. It is mined 1,500 to 2,500 feet below the Earth’s surface. The quartz comes in various colors but the available pearl white is considered the most desirable in jewelry.

A late-19th-century Thomas Craddock (1845 – 1918) relief carved wooden walking stick is notable as well. This cane was cut near President Thomas Jefferson’s tomb. This cane is profusely chip carved with multiple inscriptions about President Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence. It also has carved animals and symbols like birds, a flag, leaves, feathers, and several four-legged animals. Thomas Jefferson Craddock was born in 1845. The son of a carpenter, Thomas enlisted in the Confederate army, serving as a private and remaining active in local veteran groups until his death. Craddock was noted as a gifted cane carver from Albemarle, carving canes cut near the grave of Thomas Jefferson. The available cane is a fine example of his skills. Another notable cane in the auction features a 20th-century carved handle depicting two snakes wrapped around a tree trunk. The snakes have painted eyes, a signed sterling silver collar, a thick Malacca wood shaft, and a 1.5-inch matching stag horn ferrule. View the complete catalog of the Antique Canes Auction and find other online auctions by visiting Bidsquare.