Page 76 - 4092-BOOK3-FLIPBOOK

LOT 3074
Attractive Highly Detailed Relief Carved Horse Head Cane with Silver Band - Beginning in approximately the 16th century, canes gradually became more popular among the upper echelons of society. This popularity as an affluent accessory reached its zenith around the same time as that of horse racing, often dubbed, “the sport of kings”. It is unsurprising therefore, that many canes are found associated with the sport. This piece is a prime example of that, the antique ivory grip having been relief carved in the form of a detailed horse’s head with a bridle. The grip is joined to the shaft with a smooth silver band marked “STERLING”. The smooth shaft is Malacca finished with a dark varnish and tipped with German silver and iron. It measures 34 inches overall.
CONDITION: Very fine, the grip showing an attractively aged tone and a few hairline age cracks. The silver band has an attractively aged patina. The shaft is very good with some scattered light handling marks and some mild crazing of the varnish.
Estimate: 1,200 - 1,800
LOT 3076
Relief Carved Wolf’s Head Cane - During the 19th and 20th centuries, canes reached their pinnacle of popularity, becoming
a must have accessory for those wishing to publicly proclaim
their social and economic status. This cane is quite unique in that it shows an earlier style of art than when it was likely made. The T-shaped antique ivory grip of this cane has been expertly relief carved in the form of a snarling wolf’s head, very much in the style of some depicted in medieval chronicles. The grip is joined to the shaft with a nickeled band. The shaft is ebonized and untipped. It measures 35 inches overall.
CONDITION: Fine, the grip showing an attractively aged appearance with some hairline age cracks scattered throughout. The nickeled band is bright. The shaft is very good with an attractive rough-hewn appearance and retaining most of the ebonized finish.
Estimate: 1,100 - 1,600
LOT 3077
Attractive Relief Carved Hunter Cane with “Tiger Striped” Shaft
- Popular for centuries beginning
in the 1500s, canes reached the pinnacle of their popularity among western cultures, particularly in Western Europe and North America, in the 18th and 19th centuries. Canes became very popular among the wealthy and well respected
in society, such as businessmen, lawyers, and doctors. This example has a curved, bulbous grip with a standing hunter with his horn relief carved on the lower front portion. The grip is joined to the shaft with a brass band with floral motifs. The smooth shaft has been finished in a “tiger striped” fashion, somewhat imitating the look of curly maple, and is tipped with brass. CONDITION: Fair, the grip shows
an aged tone overall with a long horizontal crack and some hairline age cracks. The brass shows an attractively aged patina. The shaft is very good with some scattered light handling marks and retaining most of the unique finish.
Estimate: 1,000 - 1,400
LOT 3075
Scarce E.M Reilly Retailed British Cane Air Gun Cased Set - , 35 , 18 1/2 inches bbl., brown finish, horn grips.
Cane air guns reached the peak of their popularity, primarily in Great Britain, from around the mid-19th century until about the end of World War I. They were primarily curiosities which were sometimes used for informal target shooting or small game hunting, but rarely self-defense, unlike sword canes. This example is believed to have been made by John Blissett, with many very similar examples to this one attributed to him and sold through various British retailers. This example was sold through E.M. Reilly & Co., with the retailer’s mark on the tube portion of the pump. The shaft
of this example shows a mottled, brushed brown finish that imitates wood and the grip cap is dark horn. The upper and lower portions of the shaft disconnect via a threaded section and the lower half is fitted with blade and notch sights. There is a brass tip/muzzle cover which includes an attached ramrod/cleaning rod when removed. All of the components fit in the included oak case which also includes a ball mold, winding key, and base for the air pump. CONDITION: Very fine, retains 80% plus of the original brown enamel finish on the shaft with some scattered patches of light flaking/chips and the brass components showing an attractively aged patina. Mechanically untested. The relined case and accessories are good with some mild wear and a few minor chips on the case.
Estimate: 1,800 - 2,750
74