This is a very interesting Civil War presentation cane, mostly due to it not being a standard military presentation. The top of the grip of the cane is inscribed "Capt. Chas. B. Hill/from/Rochester Union Grays/Feby. 3rd 1863." Charles B. Hill was selected as the first captain of an independent military organization in Rochester, New York called the "Union Cadets" which was formed in May of 1861. It appears to have been made up of primarily students at the university in Rochester, something like an early form of ROTC. As the Civil War continued on, the Union Cadets changed their name to the "Union Blues", and were tasked with forming an honor guard for military units leaving for battle, as well as honor guards at the funerals of the fallen. Interestingly, another independent military organization in Rochester called the "Union Grays" appears to have been made up of more "adult" members, and was eventually mustered into federal service as Battery L, 1st New York Light Artillery, serving in most of the major battles of the Eastern Theater of the Civil War. A chronicle of the history of the Union Blues states that on 13 January 1863, captain Charles Hill presented a lecture in Corinthian Hall in Rochester for the benefit of the Union Grays, who "manifested their appreciation of the kindness by giving Captain Hill a handsome gold headed cane on February 4th." The Union Blues are also noted as being present as an honor guard for the body of slain President Abraham Lincoln when his funeral train passed through Rochester. Apart from the inscription, the gilt knob grip of the cane has extensive floral motifs and is fitted to an ebonized shaft which was once fitted with a ferrule (now absent). It measures 35 1/2 inches overall.

Fine, the grip showing most of the bright gilt finish with minimal handling evidence. The shaft is very good with some scattered minor handling marks and scuffs, and the ferrule absent. A very interesting, non-traditional, Civil War presentation cane!