Historically Important Carved Walking Stick presented by King Edward VII

An Historically Important Carved Walking Stick presented by King Edward VII

This Historically Important Carved Walking Stick was presented by King Edward VII in 1902 to Sir David Nairne Welch RN (1820-1912). He was a British naval commander and Captain of the Royal Yachts, Fairy and Alberta from 1848-1878 – see photographs below which include Welch in the company of King Edward VII, Kaiser Wilhelm II and most of the crowned heads of Europe – also a photograph of the Royal Yacht Alberta. He must have been a close confidant of the King and this walking stick was presented by the King to Welch in 1902, whilst at Balmoral, the royal residence in Scotland. The walking stick has a solid silver collar that is engraved – “PRESENTED BY THE KING TO CAPT WELCH at Balmoral October 1902”. The stick is also elaborately carved with the date 1902 and a series of thistles, roses and shamrocks, the national flowers of Scotland, England and Ireland. It is interesting to note that the length of the walking stick matches exactly with the short stature of Sir David Nairne Welch RN – see the photographs. This is a unique and fascinating object that has direct and historic links to the British Royal Family.