Benjamin Franklin's Walking Stick

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Object Details

owner

Washington, George

user

Franklin, Benjamin

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.

Credit Line

U.S. Department of State

Date made

1783

ID Number

PL.032011

catalog number

032011

accession 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

Related Publication

Kendrick, Kathleen M. and Peter C. Liebhold. Smithsonian Treasures of American History

See more items in

Political History: Political History, General History Collection

Government, Politics, and Reform

National Treasures exhibit

Data Source

National Museum of American History

Metadata Usage

CC0

Link to Original Record

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

Record ID

nmah_515403