Related person James Hazen Hyde (1876 - 1959)

Cane

1880-1920

Place madeLondon, England, Europe

Wood, silver, bone

Overall: 37 x 5 1/4 x 1 in. ( 94 x 13.3 x 2.5 cm )

Gift of Mr. James Hazen Hyde

1947.92

The ruler inside the cane was used to measure the height of horses. The engraved initials on the cane suggest that it was used by the donor, James Hazen Hyde (1876-1959). Hyde was a member of the New-York Historical Society and the son of Henry Hazen Hyde, the founder of the Equitable Life Assurance Society. James was well-known for his tremendous financial and social success, exemplified by the lavish costume ball he threw in 1905 made to evoke the court of Louis XV. Hyde never recovered from a scandal ignited as a result of rumors that charged he billed the entire party to the company. In December of 1905 he sailed for Paris to live in self-exile until 1941, when he returned to New York.

DescriptionWooden cane with tapering straight shaft, L-shaped bone handle, and silver collar. Handle pulls out to reveal a ruler and level on a metal armature.

MarkingsPrinted in ink on ruler: "T. BRIGG & SONS / ST JAMES'S ST / LONDON"; engraved on collar: "J.H.H."

ClassificationsPERSONAL ACCESSORIES