Antique Vintage and Carved Old Walking Canes Or Sticks

A very unique hobby that you may not think of when you think of collecting is antique walking canes or sticks. You may wonder how in the world would anyone be able to collect something that seems so rare or limited, you might be surprised if you visit Ebay. Not only are there real people who collect old antique walking canes but Ebay has such a wide selection of styles and designs.

When you think about it, this hobby of collecting can be not only for putting on display but there are many who collect the vintage walking sticks for sale who actually use them on a daily basis. They can be used when a person has trouble keeping their balance when they walk or maybe they have an injury that prevents them from putting full weight on one or both legs. Many people use them for hiking or walking in areas that have rough or uneven terrain. If someone has difficulty bending, a walking cane can help push objects in their path out of the way.

Regardless of what the reasons, they are considered a collectible and make a great gift idea. Ebay has a great selection of hand carved wooden cane walking sticks, antique walking sticks for sale and many of them are so unique, they are just amazing craftsmanship.

When you think about it walking sticks are almost like having a companion when a person is at high risk for a fall. So I think we can all agree that canes or walking sticks are definitely multipurpose and not just for collecting.

If you have ever used one then you know they actually provide excellent support for your body. If fact they help to relieve some of the stress put on your back, knees, hips and ankles when you are walking. If balance is an issue, walking sticks also provide extra stability while working the muscles of your upper body when you hike. Sure you can use just any old walking stick but why? When you can have a unique antique vintage walking cane or stick.

If you have not used a walking stick or cane before, here are some basic tips on how to find one that is the right length:

• To start, you really should stand on a level,flat surface letting your arms hang at your sides. Next,  raise one arm up while bending it at the elbow so that you have a 90-degree bend in your arm. Your forearm should be level and lined up with the floor.
• If you have to reach down for the walking stick, then it is most likely too short. On the flip side if your arm reaches up, then your stick or cane is too long.
• If you have a cane or walking stick that is adjustable then the fix is simple, if not you just need a different cane or stick. Before you buy one that is not adjustable you can use any type of stick to figure what length you will need for the right fit. However, if it is adjustable you should be able to twist the quick-release catch on the shaft of the walking stick to modify the length. Most of them will twist to the right to make it tighter and to the left to loosen it off. Once you have your walking stick at the proper height, be sure to tighten it securely so it will stay in place.
  

Now once you have determined what length you need, here are some basic tips on how to use your vintage walking stick or cane:

• First if your walking stick or cane has a wrist strap, you will want to slide your hand into the strap and hold the handle of the stick.
• Last but not least, you will put the tip of the stick facing you alternately as you walk. As you are taking each step, you will want to swing the stick or cane out in front, each time placing the tip down securely. You should also maintain normal arm movement while you are walking.
• There may be times you will need or want to use two walking sticks, just depending on your individual needs. If so, you may want to think about placing both sticks in front of you on rough patches of terrain so you have a more stable surface in steep or slippery conditions.

Collecting antique vintage walking sticks can be an incredibly fascinating hobby. When you thing about it, walking sticks have been used for many generations, all over the world. Sure some of the earlier walking sticks may have seemed primitive in design but if you remember they became popular when Fred and Ginger danced together in the movies.They used a much more modern style that was really classy and quickly became fashionable to use.

You might be surprised what some of these collectible walking canes might sell for at auctions set up just for walking sticks or canes. They have sold for as much as $200,000 according to a report from a firm called, "The World of the Walking Stick."

Great news though, you can find some great deals on some of these antique vintage walking sticks or canes at Ebay. They have a great selection to choose from and it can be so interesting to see all the different designs available.

Not all vintage walking sticks are hand carved wood, some actually have elaborately carved ivory handles or made of sterling silver and/or ebony. You can find walking sticks or canes to go with any outfit or for just about any occasion.

Although collecting antique vintage walking canes or sticks is truly a unique hobby in this day and time of all the technology we have available, it is still very much alive. So if you are looking for a new, unique hobby or a unique gift, you might want to consider antique vintage walking sticks.