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.

National Museum of American History

owner

Washington, George

Franklin, Benjamin

Credit Line

U.S. Department of State

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

See more items in

Political History: Political History, General History Collection

National Treasures exhibit

Government, Politics, and Reform

Exhibition

American Stories

Exhibition Location

National Museum of American History

1783

Object Name

cane

ID Number

PL.032011

catalog number

032011

accession number

68016

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

Related Web Publication

http://americanhistory.si.edu/treasures