Two Gold or Silver-Mounted Walking Sticks Presented to James Walter Thompson (1847-1928)

The Silver-Mounted Example by R.F. Simmons & Co., Attleboro, Massachusetts,

the first, a gold-mounted oak or hickory example, the handle engraved, "This 'Jolly Post Tavern' Cane/ presented to J. Walter Thompson/ by John Wanamaker/ Philadelphia 1911", marked "14K"; the second, a silver-mounted hardwood example, the handle engraved, "J.W.T./ from T.E.C.", marked, "R.F.S. & Co./ Sterling".

Length 36 inches (longest).

This lot is located in Philadelphia.

Note:

James Walter Thompson (1847-1928) founded the innovative advertising agency called J. Walter Thompson Co.

John Wanamaker (1838-1922), the U.S. Postmaster General under Benjamin Harrison's administration, is probably best-known for founding the first department store in Philadelphia, called John Wanamaker & Co., or simply Wanamaker's. The Wanamaker Building, located at 13th and Market Streets and completed in 1910, has housed a few different department stores following the company's exit, including Lord & Taylor, Hecht's, Strawbridge's, and most recently Macy's, which vacated in 2025. The building remains a Philadelphia landmark.

The Jolly Post Tavern was a historic inn located in the Frankford section of Philadelphia. Built around 1680, it was demolished in 1911-1912. The gold-mounted walking stick was evidently made from an element during the deconstruction of the building.

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American Furniture, Folk & Decorative Arts

Two Gold or Silver-Mounted Walking Sticks Presented to James Walter Thompson (1847-1928)

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