Welcome to Cane Quest.com, a website created for antique cane and walking stick enthusiasts.

Why collect? I believe that some people are born collectors. The item that is coveted is of secondary importance; what is universally the same for every collector is of course the love of that which is coveted, but to a greater degree, it’s the quest and discovery that keeps us interested.

I’ve been a collector of one sort or another my entire life. As a child, instead of playing with my dolls, I “put them away,” as I was far too preoccupied with collecting rocks and fossils (and critters) to bother with them. In college, I began collecting old bottles (inexpensive), and then demitasse cups. Moving on and up the collecting ladder, majolica pottery caught my eye, occupying my attention for a while. Prior to starting a family, I came full circle and began collecting dolls like those I had put away years before. Out came Tiny Tears and Ginny. I also acquired several bisque and china head dolls at that time. After the births of my two boys, my collecting days were shelved.

Several years ago, during treatment for breast cancer, a friend who was aware of my love of antiques lent me a book he had acquired called Canes and Walking Sticks by Francis Monek. I've been consumed by collecting antiques cane and walking sticks ever since.

Why antique canes and walking sticks? Perhaps it’s because of the implied intimacy; a walking stick is held by the hand, lovingly caressed by its owner. Or, because there is such a large variety from which to choose. Of course there’s the hunt and discovery. And the many unanswered questions such as where does the stick come from? Who was the owner? What clues can I find to help me determine age or place of origin? Is the stick historically significant? A friend of mine, also an antique cane collector, commented that that’s part of the fun of collecting people’s old dreams, accomplishments, and acknowledgements from loved ones. Antique canes and walking sticks are remnants from the past, small mysteries begging discovery.

I am passionate about my antique cane and walking stick collection. It brings me great joy and occupies a good deal of my time. And although I did not start collecting antique cane and walking sticks as an investment, it has certainly become that.

I am no expert. I have learned many things from books, attending auctions, scanning e-Bay, speaking with other antique cane and walking stick collectors, and mostly by trial and error.

Why a web site? I am proud of the antique cane and walking stick collection I have amassed over the past several years. Although I have learned many things about collecting, I have much to learn. I look forward to hearing from other collectors. Please…educate me! I especially desire to pass on information to new collectors, in hopes of encouraging them in their exciting new venture.

How does one start? Just begin.