Lot 105
Truman, Harry S. Ornate, handcarved hickory cane, approximately 36 inches in height. Under the worn rubber tip, the initials HST are penciled. President Truman gave the cane to White House Doorman Carl W. Ferguson, who has written a letter of provenance typed on stationery imprinted with the Presidential Seal and "The White House / Washington, D.C." and hand-dated July 4, 1982. In part: "The walking cane was given to me by President Harry S Truman. I had always wanted a cane and I asked him for one that he had used on one of his famous morning walks. He gave me this at Christmas time in 1948….I was near the President on numerous occasions in my capacity as White House Doorman. On this day we were alone briefly in the Oval Office. After I asked the President for a cane he replied, 'Ferguson, you can have one but don't just toss it in the closet, make good use of it.' I replied, 'Yes sir, Mr. President.' But I did not use it much myself. It was hard to use President Truman's cane even though he wouldn't mind. I did not put it in the closet, but I kept it on my fireplace mantel…."
Estimated Value $900 - 1,200.
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| Realized $1,265 |
