Walking Canes

Jacob Haish Mfg. Co

Promotional Walking Stick
Haish Canes

All photos within this site are not to be copied without express written consent. Copyrighted 2007-2009

Jacob Haish produced several of the following canes, probably as promotional items. However, it is not known for sure how they were distributed. It is possible that Haish gave a special cane to people who placed large orders of his barbed wire. However, you will see some variations which name a particular sales agent such as J.D. Seeberger with cane #4. Some variations acknowledge other people's wire variations, which Haish must have been involved with like cane #5 with Sidney Steven's "X" four point barb. Haish probably owned a stake in or had some business arrangement with Mr. Stevens' wire patent.
Some reproductions of Haish's canes have been produced by various barb wire collector organizations as fund raisers, such as Colorado Barb Wire Collectors Association and the now disbanded Land of Lincoln Barb Wire Collectors Association. These reproductions are a testament to how popular, even in recent years, this clever idea was. Jacob Haish and his wife had their own personal canes like Sophia's cane shown below as #6. Additionally, Haish had a special personal cane, which contained precious gems inlaid into the design.

Some confusion has arisen with special canes that were distributed by Jacob Haish for the ceremonial opening of Northern Illinois State Normal School (now known as N.I.U.) on Monday, September 11, 1899. According to college sources, Haish had special canes made from Osage Orange wood and placed on top, a miniature picture of the college which was framed in gold. These canes were presented on opening day as special gifts to individuals deemed key in founding the new school.

1.)

Scalloped Edged -version

2.)

Octagon Edged - version

3.)

Clover Leaf -version

Assorted Collection- variations

4.)

J.D. Seeberger - Des Moines, Iowa
Sales Agent for Jacob Haish's
Barb Fence Wire
Possibly given to J.D. for his
collective sales in Iowa
This one of a kind Haish cane sold at auction on June 6, 2007 for $2,880,
which included a buyer's premium

Click on this above interactive tab for more information

Photo source: www.cowanauctions.com

5.)

This cane example has Sidney M. Stevens barbed wire patent with a traditional Haish "S Barb" medallion on the top. Sidney Stevens of DeKalb, Illinois patented his "X" four point wire on December 16, 1879 with patent #222,747. In one of Jacob Haish's very early advertisments he was marketing a barbed wire brand called "Stevens' Lock Stitch". It is not known to date what exact business arrangement Mr. Stevens had with Jacob Haish, but some relation must have occured.

Click on above two photos to enlarge

6.)

Jacob Haish's wife Sophia Haish's
personal cane - wood w/inlay

7.)

1980 Reproduction Walking Stick/Cane
produced by the
" C.B.W.C.A. "
Colorado Barbed Wire Collectors Association
Lamar, Colorado
#8 of 10 made

8.)

" L.L.B.W.C.A. "
Land of Lincoln Barbed Wire Collectors Association

1979 special edition to commemorate 100 anniversary of
Northwestern Steel & Wire Company

#1 of 100 made

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Contact: Jeff J. Marshall

email: marshallJJ@juno.com