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Governor Brownlow’s Cane and Its Hidden Blade:
Sometime in 1865, likely while he was governor, Brownlow added another
presentation weapon to his armory: the included 34 3/8 inch long wooden cane with an antique ivory handle inset with a silver plaque inscribed
“Presented to/DR. W.G. BROWNLOW/by his friend/W.G. Price/1865” and a pewter band. Pulling on the handle withdraws a concealed stiletto blade 12
1/2 inches long. Canes without blades were dangerous enough as Senator Charles Sumner found out in 1856 on the Senate floor, but the blade on this
cane certainly adds some more bite and seems fitting for Brownlow given the instance of him attacking a man with a cane sword noted above as
well as his age and his ongoing attacks against former Confederates and Confederate sympathizers. Prints of photographs of Brownlow holding the
cane are within the provenance file for the lot.
The title doctor was not typically seen with Brownlow, but it does appear in some sources, especially in Tennessee newspapers in 1865.
It may reflect a Doctor of Divinity, an honorary degree given to influential ministers as Brownlow does not appear to have become a
Doctor of Theology from any school. He did become an elder. Greg Lampe theorized that W.G. Price may have been may have been
the man listed in Census records in Nashville in 1870 and 1880 as a “book agent.” He may have been involved in Brownlow’s books or newspapers. Our own investigation found various newspaper articles in the 1860s and 1870s about this book agent and revealed that Price had gone blind and depended on the
sale of books as well as support through public events to raise funds for his benefit. He was located at 119 North Summer Street and later 47 South College Street.
Brownlow was re-elected to a second term in 1867 and then was elected to represent Tennessee in the U.S. Senate in 1869. By the 1870s, his vigor had begun to fade, but he was a partner in the new Weekly Whig and Chronicle. He died on April 29, 1877, and is buried in the Old Gray Cemetery
in Knoxville. His obelisk shaped monument notes him as the editor of the Knoxville Whig 1839-1861, Governor of Tennessee 1865-1869, and United States Senator 1869-1875.
In addition to the cased revolver set, cane, and books referenced above, the lot includes a cased half-plate portrait of Brownlow seated with his arms crossed and a rather cross look on his face to match, another framed print of a portrait of Brownlow looking rather more pleasant that was featured in his book in 1862, four smaller portraits (carte de visites), a copy of Harper’s Weekly from December 21, 1861, with an article on Susan Brownlow’s defense of her father’s flag, copy of the February 13, 164, issue of Brownlow’s Knoxville Whig and Rebel Ventilator, an original document signed by
Brownlow as governor in 1869, and a trove of information on Brownlow.
CONDITION: The revolver is exceptionally fine and displays crisp engraving and a nice and distinct inscription. The barrel retains 85% plus of the
bright original high polish blue finish. The cylinder has flaked along the roll scene but retains 30% plus of the original blue on the balance and has excellent safety pins, a legible roll scene, and crisp patent and battle date markings. The case colors on the loading lever, hammer, and frame remain vibrant and 80% plus original casehardened
finish remains. The grip straps retain 98% plus original silver plating, and the silver plating has taken on a very attractive age darkened patina. The highly figured walnut grip is excellent and has attractive figure,
nearly all of the original varnish finish, and a few minor handling and storage marks. Mechanically excellent. Aside from a crack in the case lid, the case and accessories are very fine and have minimal
light age and storage related wear. The excellent tool, mold, and flask retain nearly all of their original finishes, and the lining has minor contact wear. The refinished cane is good and has some age cracks in the handle and general mild wear. The blade has some minor oxidation and moderate scratches. The ambrotype portrait is very fine and has a very clear image. The portrait case is detached at the
spine, but otherwise has mild age and storage wear. Overall, this is an incredible set connected to a very lively and exciting southern minister and newspaper editor who certainly wasn’t afraid to speak his mind. A cased, engraved Colt Model 1861 Navy itself would already be highly desirable, but the factory presentation inscription to Parson Brownlow from the workmen at Colt’s factory during the Civil War along with the cane and documented history certainly puts this Colt in a class of its own.
Provenance: Fighting Parson W.G. Brownlow; The Eric Vaule Collection; The Greg Lampe Collection.
Estimate: 100,000 - 180,000