Editing Swordstick (section)

==History==
A precedent for the swordstick would be used by 17th century spy [[Alonso de Contreras]], who would hide a sword inside a staff while disguised as a pilgrim.<ref>de Contreras, Alonso, ''The life of Captain Alonso de Contreras : Knight of the Military Order of St. John, native of Madrid'', translated by Catherine Phillips, introduction by [[David Hannay (historian)|David Hannay]]. Alfred A. Knopf, New York, 1926.</ref> The swordstick became a popular fashion accessory for the wealthy during the 18th and 19th centuries. During this period, it was becoming less socially acceptable to openly carry a sword, but there were still upper-class men routinely trained in swordsmanship who wished to go armed for self-defense.  Swords concealed in ladies' walking sticks and parasols were also not unknown, as it was even less socially acceptable for a lady to carry a sword, or publicly admit that she knew how to use one.

Soon after their introduction, other "gadget canes" became popular. Instead of a blade, these would hold the tools of one's trade, compasses, and even flasks for keeping alcohol. [[Benjamin Franklin]] received such a walking stick from a French admirer, and in a codicil to his Will bequeathed it to [[George Washington]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.si.edu/object/benjamin-franklins-walking-stick%3Anmah_515403|title=Benjamin Franklin's Walking Stick|last=|first=|date=1789|website=National Museum of American History|publisher=Smithsonian Institution|access-date=September 9, 2023|quote=A French admirer presented this gold-capped walking stick to Benjamin Franklin while he was serving as ambassador to France. Franklin later bequeathed the cane to his friend and fellow revolutionary George Washington.}}</ref>