An important California Gold Rush presentation cane featuring an octagonal gold head with ornate jeweler-engraved scrollwork and a gold quartz top, inscribed "Presented to Hiram Niles by Ferris Waldron / San Francisco / Jan. 1856." Hiram Niles (1805-1879), a Connecticut-born pioneer, ventured west during the Gold Rush and in 1856 was robbed of $1,500 in gold dust during the violent Panama riots. Ferris Waldron, a prominent San Francisco merchant, was indicted in 1857 for gold theft in a sensational trial where Joshua Norton, future "Emperor Norton," served as juror. Crafted with a polished California laurel shaft and gold quartz top, this cane exemplifies frontier-era presentation pieces symbolizing status and achievement during San Francisco's Vigilance Committee era.

Excellent overall. Gold quartz specimen with a few hairline cracks visible under magnification; gold head with light scratches from minimal use and wear; shaft retains bright varnish with minor scratches and bruises consistent with age.