American Historical Ephemera and Photography

33 1/2 in. wooden walking stick with small mother-of-pearl inlay circle to top of handle and 1 1/2 in. ferrule (surface wear and patina consistent with age and use). Copper collar ring engraved: "Presented to Jos. Rudolph by Capt. Giles B. Harber / May 15 - 1906 U.S. Ship Independence."

Giles B. Harber (1849-1925) attended the US Naval Academy, being appointed by James A. Garfield and graduating ninth of 74 in his class of 1869. He was first assigned to the USS Sabine, and commissioned as an ensign on 12 July 1870. He received multiple promotions and served on several vessels over the next two decades, including the screw frigate USS Franklin as part of the European Squadron, and the torpedo boat USS Alarm. He commanded the coastal survey steamer Hassler in Alaska from 1892-1895 before being promoted to lieutenant commander in September of 1896. During the Spanish-American War, he served as the executive officer of the battleship USS Texas, and earned a promotion to commander the following year.

Harber commanded the cruiser USS New Orleans, serving with the Asiatic Squadron near China from 1903-1905, being promoted to captain during that service. He took command of the USS Independence in 1905 while it remained in the Mare Island Navy Yard, until 1907 when he took command of the 3rd Squadron, Pacific Fleet. For a brief period, from February to November 1910, he commanded the entire fleet. He retired from active duty the following year in 1911.

Harber and his wife are buried in Arlington National Cemetery. There is evidence that he and James A. Garfield were good friends, spending leisure time together and exchanging gifts including a Chinese vase Harber sent to the Garfields while station in Asia in the 1870s.