[Porter, Cole. (1891–1964)]

His Cane and Slipper

Cole Porter's rubber-tipped walking cane (height: 37 in.; 940 mm), ca. 1937; some wear— Cole Porter's needlepoint and leather slipper, (length: 10 1/2 in.; 267 mm), ca. 1940s. Provenance: From the collection Madeleine P. Smith, secretary to Cole Porter.

Two items documenting the physical decline of Cole Porter. Attached to the cane is a tag inscribed "Cane used from 1937, after his serious accident until his death in 1964." The slipper was accompanied by a typed note reading "Needlepoint slipper, a gift from Merle Oberon (embroidered by her). Only the left slipper kept after the right leg was amputated." Sold together with a 1957 photograph of Porter holding this cane. (7399)
Ephemera
Song