Haish Wire Cane Sells in 1968

 From the January and February 1968 editions of the The American Barbed Wire Journal. Oops!

Haish barbed wire canes

Jacob Haish manufactured barbed wire canes as a promotional item. The canes and their toppers vary in shape and size. It is unknown just how many were made, and how many are still in existence.

These are photos of two canes that belong to Kevin Haish. Photos by Jessi LaRue.

You can learn more about Haish canes by clicking over to my previous post here.

Haish cane finds its way to Haish family

Jacob Haish barbed wire cane

A Jacob Haish barbed wire cane has made its way to Haish family... it's now in possession of members of my immediate family!

Haish manufactured these barbed wire canes as a promotional item, another innovative way he advertised his products. These canes vary in design; the brass tops can vary in shape, and there are 10 different versions of the cane that can be collected. It is unknown how many were made, or how many are still in existence.

There is a wealth of information and photos regarding Haish canes here.

Detail of the Haish cane shows Haish's barbed wire design | Photo by Jessi LaRue

Top of the Haish cane reads: "Compliments of J. Haish, 'S' barb. Steel Fence Wire, DeKalb, Ill" | Photo by Jessi LaRue

Detail of the Haish cane | Photo by Jessi LaRue

Jacob Haish barbed wire canes

Jim Hovis, of DeKalb, holds his Haish cane. | Photo by Jessi LaRue

For many barbed wire fanatics, you've "made it" once you've acquired your very own Haish cane.

This information on the canes, below, was provided by the Joiner History Room, who had reached out to barbed wire expert Jim Goedert, of Kearney, Neb., for more information about the canes in 2005. 

Goedert said:

"These canes were given away as advertising tools during the Chicago's World Fair in 1893 and the St. Louis Exposition in 1904. In addition, a cane was placed in each boxcar load of "S" Barb that was shipped West.

We also know a few things about the canes themselves. They were made with five different shapes of brass tops. The most common is the top that is eight-sided or shaped like a stop sign. The rarest is the round top. The barbs on the canes can either be bent around the wire or stick out. For a collector this would make 10 different canes to collect. They have sold on eBay for as much as $5,000 each and for as little as $1,000."

Steve Bigolin, of DeKalb, holds his Haish cane. | Photo by Jessi LaRue

Jeff Marshall, of DeKalb, has a wealth of photos and information regarding the canes on his website here.

Haish canes on display at the Ellwood House | Photo by Jessi LaRue