Page 163 - 4094-BOOK2

161
LOT 1161
Very Attractive Detailed Relief
Carved Antique Ivory Bear and
Serpent Scene Cane - Remaining
popular for centuries, canes were
often seen as far more than a mobility
tool, but also a symbol of one’s
wealth and status. For an affluent
lady or gentleman, an ornately carved
cane was a fantastic, eye-catching
accessory to display their financial
means. The antique ivory grip on
this example has been ornately relief
carved into a highly detailed scene
depicting a bear being pursued up
a tree by a serpent. It is joined to a
smooth hardwood shaft that is tipped
with German silver/iron. It measures
approximately 35 inches overall.
CONDITION: Very fine, the grip shows
an attractively aged tone with some
traces of what may have been enamel
accenting and very crisp details
overall. The shaft is fine with a minor
crack near the bottom and otherwise
minimal handling evidence.
Estimate: 1,100 - 1,600
LOT 1162
Attractive Relief Carved Antique
Ivory Lion’s Head Cane Inscribed
for John McCormick - Often used as
an accessory to show a man’s fame,
wealth, or social standing, canes were
a very important fashion accessory in
the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
This particular cane is a fine example
of that, and it appears to have possibly
belonged to a famous Irish opera
tenor named John McCormick (or
McCormack). The antique ivory grip is
attractively relief carved in the form of
a lion’s head which is fitted with red
glass eyes. The grip is joined to the
shaft with a brass band. The upper 1/3
of the ebony shaft is relief carved with
vines, leaves, and clover, lending further
credence to this cane belonging to an
Irishman. Just below that is carved “John
McCormick” with carved musical notes
around it, all of which are gilt filled. At
the bottom of the shaft is a carved gilt
filled motif and a tip of brass and blued
steel. It measures approximately
35 1/4 inches.
CONDITION: Fine, the grip showing
an attractively aged tone with a few
hairline age cracks and a couple of the
lion’s teeth chipped. The brass shows an
attractive, lightly aged patina. The shaft
is very fine with crisp carving, minimal
handling evidence, and much of the gilt
fill remaining.
Estimate: 1,400 - 2,250
LOT 1163
Attractive Relief Carved Antique Ivory
Lioness and Serpent Cane with Inscribed
Sterling Silver Band - From the beginning,
when canes began to grow in popularity in
the 16th century, two of the most popular
themes displayed on them were animals and
religious/mythic motifs, with this example
showing both. The imagery of the lion and
the serpent has been used since the early
Middle Ages, often with biblical connotations,
symbolizing the triumph of Christ over Satan,
or symbolizing a ruler defeating evil. The grip
of this example has been relief carved to show
exactly that, a lion with a serpent clutched
in its jaws. 3 1/4 inches down the shaft from
the grip is a silver band inscribed with the
initials “CMJ”, as well as a small gothic letter
and “STERLING” mark. The shaft is smooth
malacca and tipped with light colored horn. It
measures approximately 35 5/8 inches overall.
CONDITION: Fine, the grip shows an attractive,
lightly aged tone, a hairline crack, and the tip
of the grip reattached with glue. The silver
shows an attractively aged patina. The shaft is
also fine with some scattered minor
flaking/scuffing.
Estimate: 1,200 - 1,700
LOT 1164
Desirable, Highly Detailed Relief
Carved Antique Ivory Lion and
Tiger Cane - During the 19th
and 20th centuries, canes became
incredibly popular as a status symbol,
especially among the upper class in
Western Europe and North America.
This specific cane is a fantastic
example of that, having been
beautifully relief carved and in the
form of a lion battling a tiger on a
pillar of rock, perfect for a gentleman
who may have hunted in Africa and
India. Also featured in a small carving
of a fleeing rabbit below the fight
scene. The grip is joined to the shaft
with a nickeled band. The shaft is
ebonized and smooth, and it is tipped
with light colored horn. It measures
approximately 36 1/4 inches overall.
CONDITION: Fine, the grip having an
attractively aged tone, some hairline
cracks, and a small repaired chip
on top. The shaft is very fine with
minimal handling evidence or wear.
Estimate: 1,500 - 2,500