This very interesting Civil War presentation cane is inscribed to a man that had quite the career as a officer and soldier during the war. The top of the gilt grip is inscribed "Presented to/EX. CAPT. GEO. A. HUSSEY./by the/Members of Co G./9th Regt N.G.S.N.Y./21st April 1885." Early in life, George Alexander Hussey (1843-1929), as a member of New York City's economic elite, took a tour of Europe including Switzerland and Bavaria, where he brushed up on his German language skills. He returned to a country in turmoil, and in July of 1861 joined the 9th New York Militia Regiment as a private in Company I. The 9th was then mustered into federal service as the 83rd New York Infantry regiment, and used for garrison duty around Washington D.C. The regiment then took part in the Shenandoah Campaign followed by the Bull Run Campaign. On 30 August at the Second Battle of Bull Run, Hussey was wounded in the chest and sent to Philadelphia’s National Guard Hospital for recovery. Upon his recovery, Hussey accepted a first lieutenant commission in Company I of the 103rd New York regiment, a company which was formed primarily from the remnants of the 3rd German Rifles, which may have played a roll in Hussey receiving the commission. The 103rd served primarily in southeastern Virginia and were present at the Siege of Suffolk in April and May of 1863, where Hussey was again wounded in action. A little less than a month later, Hussey was promoted to captain of Company E in the 103rd, and in November of that year was discharged with the expiration of his enlistment. This was not the end of Hussey's military career however, in May of 1864 he joined the 165th New York as a private in Company A, and served with them until being honorably discharged in September of 1865. Besides the noted inscription, the gilt knob grip on this cane has extensive floral motifs and is fitted to a smooth ebonized shaft tipped with German silver and iron. It measures 34 3/4 inches overall.

Very fine overall, the grip showing most of the bright gilt finish with minimal handling evidence and the ebonized shaft retaining almost all of the finish with some scattered very light scuffs and handling marks.