Benjamin Franklin's Walking Stick

Description:

A French admirer presented this gold-capped walking stick to Benjamin Franklin while he was serving as ambassador to France. Franklin later bequeathed the cane to his friend and fellow revolutionary George Washington.

A celebrated writer, inventor, scientist, and advocate for U.S. independence, Franklin rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most famous Americans of the 18th century. Through advice and example, Franklin helped define the American ideal of self-improvement through virtue and hard work.

Date Made: 1783

Owner: Washington, GeorgeUser: Franklin, Benjamin

Location: Currently not on view

See more items in: Political and Military History: Political History, General History Collection, Government, Politics, and Reform, National Treasures exhibit

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Related Web Publication: http://americanhistory.si.edu/treasures

Related Publication: Kendrick, Kathleen M. and Peter C. Liebhold. Smithsonian Treasures of American History, National Museum of American History. Treasures of American History online exhibition

Credit Line: U.S. Department of State

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: PL.032011Catalog Number: 032011Accession Number: 68016

Object Name: cane

Physical Description: gold (head material)gold (label material)wood (walking stick material)Measurements: overall: 46 1/2 in x 1 3/8 in; 118.11 cm x 3.4925 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a3-3bfe-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_515403

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