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    Walking Sticks - and as Weapons


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    Even before weapons evolved with our ancestors, little ape like creatures probably helped to

    support themselves on two legs with the help of a stick. So, in all probability a stick is mans'

    earliest tool.

    This has continued to evolve over tens of thousands of years - through spears, cudgels, daggers

    with points - right down to the Victorian Gentleman's walking stick - so necessary for social status.

    Walking sticks still play an important part in 21st. Century life - for the disabled - for the elderly -

    and for a help up steep hills when taking the dog for a walk. There are also many Continents where

    a stick can be essential to guard against snakes - Africa, Australia ans South America come to mind.

    Very early on sticks became decorated and elaborated-on to show a person's status. The early

    Sumerians and their period - some 8,000 years ago - were probably the forerunners of sticks as

    emblems of office. Closely followed by the Egyptians. The Museums in Egypt show many styles

    and purposes for sticks or, wands of office. Very many were found in the Boy Pharoah

    Tutankhamon's tomb - and each was used for a different purpose and a different ceremonial

    occasion.

    Their purpose may have varied over the generations - but the generic styles did not. One of the

    reasons for a member of nobility to carry a stick, was that it showed he was just that - a nobleman

    who did not work with his hands. Also, it never hurt that you held a weapon in your hand at all times.

    By the 16th and 17th. Centuries there were a number of refined uses for sticks which represented

    Authority. Tipstaffs are a perfect example - the bearer of one could have people arrested and

    often seize property. Another example - from a later period - would be Black Rod - carried in the British

    Houses of Parliament.

    The simple fact is that in homes all over the World, there are walking sticks standing in halls and by doors.

    This makes it a perfect article for our member's to submit examples that they have in their families.

    I will be showing some pieces that I own - and will also show a number from earlier periods. ADD YOURS ?

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    Two good examples of modern walking sticks - but based on much earlier designs.

    These came from Tanzania and are made from Ebony - the beautiful black wood that has now

    become quite rare. It is one of several woods that will not float - including Teak and Lignum Vitae.

    The white tops are Hippopotamus tusks.

    CLICK TO ENLARGE

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    This is still a stick - but is known as a shooting stick. In the 18th and 19th Centuries

    Gentlemen would spend the day shooting Pheasants (and probably peasants if they got in the way )

    Your bearers stood behind you loading your shotguns and you sat on the opened 'shooting stick'.

    Your locals 'beat' the bush to drive the birds to with-in easy shot.

    This type of portable seat was also useful at sporting events and today, they are very sought after.

    CLICK TO ENLARGE

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    • 2 weeks later...

    This was my Grandfather's Regimental walking stick - The Leicestershire Regt.

    the 17th of Foot. The Tiger is part of their arms. This is a malacca stick and will

    date back to the turn of the 20th. Century. The dents were caused by me as a small

    child !

    http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_03_2012/post-6209-0-77192100-1331479302.jpgCLICK TO ENLARGE

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    • 1 year later...
    • 4 weeks later...

    There is a whole system of fighting with the walking stick taught in France. This is much like the stick fighting shcools of the East but designed for modern street defence. Of course it is usually the older members of our society who require the use of a cane but one can just imagine the suprised look on some street hoodlum's face when granny leaves him sitting on the sidewalk with his head "ringing".

    When I require a cane I think I will attach a 12 ga. shotgun to it, saves a lot of dojo time. :ninja:

    Regards

    Brian

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