Civil War era canes are incredibly desirable among collectors, especially those attributed to individuals whose service records are available. The L-shaped grip of this cane is inscribed with the initials "S.M." and has a relief carved American eagle and shield on the grip "cap". The grip is joined to the smooth Malacca shaft with a silvered band and the shaft is tipped with brass. It measures 34 inches overall. A handwritten note is attached to the shaft just below the band attributing this cane to Captain Silas May of Company K of the 12th New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry. He was elected captain of Company K on 8 September 1862 and served at the Battle of Fredericksburg and at Chancellorsville, where he was severely wounded in the left leg, perhaps necessitating this cane. The 12th N.H.V.I. was heavily engaged at Chancellorsville where they were part of General Daniel Sickles' III Corps. During a desperate part of the battle on 3 May, the regiment was advanced to fill a large gap in the Union line, essentially with orders to fight to the last man. The 12th entered a wooded area to make their stand with approximately 550 men fit for duty. They fought bravely for over two hours against a vastly numerically superior enemy, expending all of their ammunition. It was during this advance into the wood that Captain May was wounded. Their numbers having dwindled and at risk of being cut off, a second lieutenant, the highest ranking officer left standing, gave the order for the regiment to retreat. Initially upon returning to the safety of the Union line, only two officers and around 20 men managed to muster around the regimental colors which they had managed to save. By the time of the Battle of Gettysburg two months later, the regiment only managed to field 224 men.

Fine, the grip showing an attractively aged tone with some minor cracks and a repair at the angle, attractively aged patina on the silver and brass, and a few scattered light handling marks on the shaft.