GUNSIGHT ANTIQUES

Measuring 36 inches in total length this all original 19th century walking stick offers a silver band inscribed Jera Mansfield and is topped by an age cracked and nicely age patinated head. While missing its tapered ferrule tip, the rosewood shaft remains in pleasing to the eye condition with no cracks, repairs or major dings and retains its original finish while offering good evidence of age and originality with period use and carrying. Good fodder for additional research, this descendent acquired cane is attributed to Jera Mansfield who was born in Dudley, Massachusetts in 1825, immigrated to California in 1849 and passed away in Napa, California at age 71 in 1896. Upon his passing the Sacramento Daily Record-Union advised under the heading DEATH OF A PIONEER that 'Mr. Mansfield came to California in 1849, and was a member of the Society of Pioneers, was a director of the Bank of Napa and one of the wealthiest citizens of Napa County. The Napa Valley newspaper further advised that His estate is estimated to be worth several hundred thousand dollars. A tidy sum in 1896, our perusal of the years of U.S. censes material while Mansfield was a Californian simply show him as a 'farmer'. Good fodder for the collector / historian who enjoys research, one wonders how Jera Mansfield acquired his millions in today's money? Known today for its expanse of fine vineyards which began producing wine in quantity a short time following his arrival in Napa one wonders if Mansfield's amassing of wealth was in connection with the budding wine industry that began in the Napa Valley just a short time after the Massachusetts Yankee's arrival or was he one of the fortunate gold rush immigrants to California who found wealth in the gold fields? Set aside for some years in our own early cane accumulation it is time to offer this historic 19th century stick to an appreciative new home. Buy with confidence! We are pleased to offer a no questions asked three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales! Just send us a courtesy e-mail to let us know your item will be returned per these provisions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly. Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques! COLOR=#0000FF>

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