Cobra Walking Stick with Case
Artifact IDMO 66.248a-d
Object Type
Stick, Walking
Date
1963
Place MadeBrisbane, Australia
Medium
Myall wood, silver, kangaroo skin
DimensionsOverall L 39 1/2 in (100.3 cm)
Physical DescriptionCrook handle walking stick hand carved by using a pocket knife from Myall wood treated with no polish or dye. The shaft is inscribed in raised letters: To John F. Kennedy President of (a map of the USA enclosing the American eagle with wings outstretched) from (a map of Australia enclosing the date) 1963. The upper part of the cane is carved with a pair of clasped hands symbolizing the friendship between the United States and Australia. Below the inscription are a kangaroo with a joey in her pouch, a lyrebird and a platypus and below them the stick appears to disappear into the open mouth of a snake. The Cane is contained in a cedar wooden case with a kangaroo skin cover, a bust of the late President Kennedy is carved inside the case with the dates of his birth and death. Case has a St.Christopher key for lock.
Historical NoteWalking stick was carved to be presented during the visit to Australia by President Kennedy planned for December 16, 1963 as a memory of the President's visit. After the President was assassinated Brother Gregory donated the walking stick to the John F. Kennedy Library.
Additional DetailsCustodial History NoteItem was a gift from the maker to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in 1966.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of James Gregory Fitzgerald
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesPost Presidential Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676966)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
Not on view