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Folk Art & Outsider Art : Medical & Oddities : 1900-1940s
This item has been sold
A Remarkable Example of American Vernacular Folk Art Carved Walking Sticks
An American Folk Art Carved and Decorated Walking Stick for Doctor Samuel T. Henkle.
Doctor Samuel T. Henkle, according to my research was a Doctor, who lived and resided in Baltimore Md. in the 1800’s and is accredited with the improvements to the Henkle Dental Chair, Chicago Ill. In 1891 filed under the US Patent Publication Number: US485383 A.
There is no record of his Birth but his death is stated to be in 1907.
The Walking Stick is carved to Dr. Saml. T. Henkle with animals, figures, religious symbols with sayings, American history and medical devices.
The piece is not signed but appears to be a gift to Dr. Henkle as a present and or gratitude to his service to someone. I would guess from a patient of the Doctor.
The wood is heavy and most likely Ash or Maple wood or possible another type of regional wood found near Maryland.
The Stick is approx. 35” tall and is carved from top to bottom.
The top starts off with a hand with a quill writing The Constitution. Next is a European Man greeting a Native American. In the Center is the Doctor’s name, Dr. Saml. T. Henkle surrounded by a chalice and water Pitcher and two fish connected with a line with the words, “Struggle for Mastery”. After this, there are Acorns, Squirrel, Owl, Bird, Fox and Rabbit. Below the Bird, please see the photo, is a Mortar and Pestle with the words, Help or Die. The Very bottom of the stick is a barrel with “Castor oil” written boldly.
The bottom has wear; please see the photo for a detail.
If you need more information or need additional information, please feel free to contact me.
Doctor Samuel T. Henkle, according to my research was a Doctor, who lived and resided in Baltimore Md. in the 1800’s and is accredited with the improvements to the Henkle Dental Chair, Chicago Ill. In 1891 filed under the US Patent Publication Number: US485383 A.
There is no record of his Birth but his death is stated to be in 1907.
The Walking Stick is carved to Dr. Saml. T. Henkle with animals, figures, religious symbols with sayings, American history and medical devices.
The piece is not signed but appears to be a gift to Dr. Henkle as a present and or gratitude to his service to someone. I would guess from a patient of the Doctor.
The wood is heavy and most likely Ash or Maple wood or possible another type of regional wood found near Maryland.
The Stick is approx. 35” tall and is carved from top to bottom.
The top starts off with a hand with a quill writing The Constitution. Next is a European Man greeting a Native American. In the Center is the Doctor’s name, Dr. Saml. T. Henkle surrounded by a chalice and water Pitcher and two fish connected with a line with the words, “Struggle for Mastery”. After this, there are Acorns, Squirrel, Owl, Bird, Fox and Rabbit. Below the Bird, please see the photo, is a Mortar and Pestle with the words, Help or Die. The Very bottom of the stick is a barrel with “Castor oil” written boldly.
The bottom has wear; please see the photo for a detail.
If you need more information or need additional information, please feel free to contact me.
Detail photos Click to enlarge
