A walking stick is a device used by many people to facilitate balancing and whilst walking. It comes in many shapes and sizes and can be sought by collectors. Some kind of walking stick may be used by people with disabilities as a crutch. The walking stick has also historically been own to be used as a defensive or offensive weapon, and may conceal a knife or sword as in a swordstick.
Did you know that walking sticks have a rich history and have served many purposes over the centuries? They have become pure status symbols of power and strength as well as to a fantastic expression of dignified style. They have come to serve both decorative and practical purposes, representing many different symbols of power, faith, and magic. Walking sticks have also come a long way since the first Neanderthal picked up a branch to steady themselves over rough terrain and keep would-be predators at bay.
In the medical point of view, walking sticks are designed to help people that have a form of injury or medical complication from the waist down become mobile. They are typically known as canes. Canes have been around for a long time, possibly for more than 5,000 years. Historically, they are straight sticks that an individual held to help him ambulate. They soon developed into the T-shaped canes that we see today.
Walking sticks, also under the monikers of treaking poles, pilgrims’s staffs, hiking poles or hiking sticks, are used by hikers for a wide variety of purposes: to clear spider webs, part thick bushes or grass obscuring the trail; as a support when going uphill or a brake when going downhill; as a balance point when crossing streams, swamps or other rough terrain; to feel for obstacles in the path; to test mud and puddles for depth; and as a defence against wild animals. A walking stick can be improvised from nearby felled wood. More ornate sticks are made for avid hikers, and are often adorned with small trinkets or medallions depicting “conquered” territory.
Collecting Antique Walking Sticks
Collecting antique walking sticks is a matchless hobby in this day and age. In fact, it has already become out of the usual run of things these days. But there are really people who are fond of collecting antique walking sticks up to now. Actually, collecting antique walking sticks gives the collector some sense of authenticity.
There are also people who collect vintage walking sticks since they like the sense of intimacy that comes with it. This way, they feel that there is part of history with each stick that is added to their collection. On the other hand, there are also collectors who are into history. For this reason, they do all that they can so as to know the culture and the story behind the antique walking sticks that they collect.
Nonetheless, there are still vintage walking sticks these days that are historically significant. In fact, these are the most preferred by the collectors. Actually, the hunt and the discovery really give thrill to the collector.
Many passionate antique walking stick collectors gather as much information as they can just to get the vintage walking sticks at knockdown prices. They also engage typically in forum boards and discussions to find various suggestions from other collectors.
Collectors usually choose the ones that are closest to their style. They also look up the previous owners of the antique walking sticks that they buy. There is such a large variety to choose from and of course they also have their own preferences. Avid collectors really examine the history and if these are historically significant, they do not have second thoughts whatsoever to buy these. Read more