The top of the grip on this cane is inscribed "Flag Staff/National Palace/MEXICO/Presented by/Brig. Genl. Belknap". This inscription almost certainly refers to William G. Belknap (1794-1851). Belknap was a first lieutenant during the War of 1812, during which he was wounded during a sortie against the besieging British forces at Fort Erie, Ontario. He was promoted to captain on 1 February 1822 and then brevet lieutenant colonel on 15 March 1842 for his services during the Second Seminole War. He then took part in the Mexican-American War, where he was involved in multiple battles, and was promoted to colonel for gallantry during General Zachary Taylor's Rio Grande campaign. At the Battle of Monterrey, he was inspector general, and he was promoted to brigadier general by brevet on 23 February 1847 for his services at the Battle of Buena Vista. The shaft appears to have been from a flag staff captured at the National Palace in Mexico. After the war, he returned to the rank of lieutenant colonel and commanded his regiment at various western outposts in the United States and in 1851 died of typhoid dysentery near Fort Washita. The knob grip of the cane appears to be bone carved with multiple facets around the sides and the inscription on top as noted. The smooth shaft appears to be walnut and is not tipped. It measures 33 1/8 inches overall.

Very good, the grip showing an attractively aged appearance with some hairline age cracks. The shaft is good with a stabilized minor crack running 3/4 of the length, a minor chip near the tip, and otherwise minimal handling evidence.