Images(5)

Cane

Object number2014.103.2

Date1885

MediumWood/Metal/Ivory/Rubber

Credit LineGift of Dorothy Jacox

DescriptionCane with brown undecorated wood shaft, gold-tone metal and ivory handle, and rubber foot. Around base of handle is gold-tone metal band decorated with an embossed floral pattern. Tip of the handle has gold-tone metal cap with embossed floral decoration around the edge and inscribed dedication text on the face. Rubber foot has seven ribs around the sides and flares out at the bottom into a round base.Dimensions3.875 x 0.875 x 37.25 in. (9.8 x 2.2 x 94.6 cm)
InscriptionsHandle has inscribed text on the face "PRESENTED TO / JOHN HERBERTSON SR / as a token / of respect and esteem, / BY HIS / EMPLOYEES / Sep. 16 1885. / HIS 80TH BIRTHDAY."
MarksRaised text on side of foot reads "DAISY".
Historical NotesThis cane belonged to Dorothy Jacox's ancestor, John Herbertson (1805-1890) who started the Herbertson Foundry in Brownsville, Pennsylvania. While working for the Snowden engine shop he designed and supervised the construction of the first iron bridge in the world. The bridge still stands in Brownsville. The cane was a gift to him from his workers on his 80th birthday in 1885. It is inscribed to him on the top of the cane. A Scottish immigrant, Herbertson was born in Scotland and came to the states in 1823. He arrived in Pittsburgh the next year and learned the trade of steam engine building. He then moved to Brownsville and worked for Snowden and then with Thomas Faull at the Fayette Foundry. It was not until 1880 when he was 75 that he founded J. Herbertson & Co. with two of his sons. He soon renamed it J. Herbertson & Sons. They manufactured steam engines and supplied coal mines. He had twelve children with his wife Eliza.

Previous owner John Herbertson Sr. (1805 - 1890)

Related institution J. Herbertson and Sons

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