Walking stick belonging to Colonel Bayly, dated 1889

[ChrisLS]

I was clearing my late father’s stuff, and came across a beautiful walking cane. There is a sterling silver band near the top and after cleaning it says clearly ‘Colonel Bayly 1889’. A bit of research shows that he commanded 1st Bn. at this time.

Is this cane of any interest, or should I take it to a charity shop?

Chris

[Chalky]

Hi Chris and welcome to the Black Watch Forum,

Colonel Bayly's timeline.

Bayly, Richard Kerr, CB, Order of Medijieh, 3rd class, Order of Osmanieh, 4th class; Ensign 16 Mar 1855; Lt 2 Oct 1855; wounded at Seria Ghat 9 Dec 1858; Capt. 5 Jul 1865; Bt. Major 1 Apr 1874; Major 29 Sep 1877; Lt Col 29 Sep 1882; Commanding 1st Black Watch 1 Jul 1885; Colonel 29 Sep 1886.

I think the Black Watch Museum would be interested in the cane. I shall get in touch with Col Riddle or Maj Proctor.

Thank you for thinking about us.

[ChrisLS]

Hi Chris and welcome to the Black Watch Forum,

Colonel Bayly's timeline.

Bayly, Richard Kerr, CB, Order of Medijieh, 3rd class, Order of Osmanieh, 4th class; Ensign 16 Mar 1855; Lt 2 Oct 1855; wounded at Seria Ghat 9 Dec 1858; Capt. 5 Jul 1865; Bt. Major 1 Apr 1874; Major 29 Sep 1877; Lt Col 29 Sep 1882; Commanding 1st Black Watch 1 Jul 1885; Colonel 29 Sep 1886.

I think the Black Watch Museum would be interested in the cane. I shall get in touch with Col Riddle or Maj Proctor.

Thank you for thinking about us.

Thank you for assisting. I can’t tell you how surprised I was to find this in my father’s stuff - he was a Navigator in the RAF and to be honest had no connection with the Army, and I have no idea where this item came from. It was only when I cleaned the silver that the inscription became visible. I love memorabilia and I would love to feel that this went to a museum rather than to a charity shop.

[ronmarsden]

Chris, if the museum is not interested then PM me. It would be nice if you could post a photo of the cane.
I have posted a picture of Col Bayly in my thread, can’t seem to find the post no at the minute.

Ron.

[Chalky]

Chris,

I have been in touch with the Black Watch Museum, however, the person that deals with procurements is on a day off.

A message has been left and I will hopefully get an answer from her tomorrow.

[ChrisLS]

It is very hard to photograph a long thin stick, and a reflective silver band, but I’ll do my best!55A43DED-0B3B-41BE-A4BD-50D6E9999718.jpg

DE36E222-00DB-4835-82FC-4703F05C430B.jpg

DA67E2A5-9B88-4433-8D48-87844C8A4CFD.jpg

69CD1840-48E8-4F28-8B9F-615A565AC126.jpg

The stick is turned from a single piece of hardwood, and the knob at the top is integral.

Chris.

[ronmarsden]

Chris, thanks for that great pics.
The stick is made from lignum vitae wood.
Ron.

[ronmarsden]

Lignum vitae wood is found in the West Indies and South America.
I wonder if this stick was presented to Lt-Colonel Arden Lownds Bayley The West India Rgt.
He was a Brevet Major of the regiment and was awarded the Colonels position for his services in the Ashanti expedition.
London Gazette April 12 1898.

[Chalky]

Hi Chris and Ron,

Day 4 of trying to get the Black Watch Museum Curator to get in touch. I have been promised a call tomorrow at 9am.

Ron, have you got the correct surname spelling of Arden.

The cane is certainly Bayly. Could Col Bayly have been presented this on leaving the BW, if indeed he left the service in 1889 after serving three years as Colonel?

Oh for a time machine.

[ronmarsden]

Chalky.
I know the surname is spelt different however the fact it is made from lignum vitae and is also in the shape of a West African throwing stick leads me to believe in the Ashanti connection. It certainly an unusuall style for a Highland Officer.
Ron.