Feature Profiles

Feature Profiles are special works that illustrate extensive detail and examples of specific materials, features, themes, and artistic value.

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Yoda on Diamond Willow

This amazingly rare raised diamond willow staff arrived in our shop in need of some attention. Already prepped to be a walking staff, but oxidized and hiding its true detail the staff received a new handle, character bust, and rubber end cap.

Richard Price or Dick "Yoda" Price of Mechanicsburg, PA requested that the pictured piece of diamond willow, inherited from his father-in-law as an heirloom passed to him from his father around 1915 somewhere in Montana.

Dick, a casual cane collector, uses his canes and wanted the unique diamond willow staff transformed into a daily driver. The strait staff, without a handle, was partially finished but not configured for daily use.

Also known as "Yoda," Dick describes himself as a look alike to this famous Star Wars personality. The accent of the character bust will inspire conversation anywhere he travels - and guarantee the attention of by passers.

Adding a "T" handle turns the staff into a true working cane, for use as a walking support or aid in traversing steps, curbs, or other obstacles. A steel support embedded in the piece assures strength, allowing the handle to be shaped to fit a hand.

Diamond Willow is in fact not a species of Willow, appearances of the diamond phenomenon are found in at least a half dozen varieties of northern Willows resulting from a fungus called Valsa Sordida. The growths occur as the tree expands avoiding the fungus. A reddish grain pattern forms, and the natural shape blooms around the invader.

Double Click to Enlarge to High Resolution 30-60 seconds to load. We tried these with further optimization, but it doesn't do the staff justice!

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