Cane collectors: It’s time for Kimball Sterling’s spring auction, May 22

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – Kimball M. Sterling Inc. will present its annual Spring Antique Cane auction on May 22, with Internet live bidding through LiveAuctioneers.com. The sale consists of more than 100 fine collector’s canes from all corners of the world.

Among the canes to be offered is an important selection of nauticals that are fresh to the market and described by auctioneer Kimball Sterling as “first-time offerings to the auction world.”

A “folky” carved whale’s tooth in the form of a bird, which is attached to a stingray tail, is one of the sale’s top lots. Another prized item is the mid-19th-century whalebone shaft with mother-of-pearl inlay. “Both of these canes are premier examples,” said Sterling.

Also included in this auction is a group of European carved ivory canes from a private collection. It includes a large array of highly sought-after cat canes.

Agates and silver canes also are included in the sale, as is a special-interest item – a Joseph Babcock gun cane. “This particular percussion cane is a mid-19-century curio in near-mint condition,” said Sterling.

The auctioneer noted that there are many crossover items in the auction that would also be of interest to collectors of political memorabilia and Asian art, among other categories.

For additional information on any lot in the auction, call Kimball Sterling at 423-928-1471 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

View the fully illustrated catalog and register to bid absentee or live via the Internet as the sale is taking place by logging on to www.LiveAuctioneers.com.