Page 207 - 87-BOOK1

LOT 251
Very Attractive
Masterfully Relief Carved
Rabbit Head Cane with
Inscribed Silver Band
- Canes began their rise
to popularity in the 16th
century, reaching their
pinnacle around the 18th
century, and continuing
into the early 20th century.
They became far more than
a mobility aid, but rather
a vessel with which one
could project their wealth
and social status. This piece
is certainly one befitting an
upper class gentleman, purely
due to the craftsmanship and
materials involved. The grip has
been expertly relief carved in the
form of a large, highly detailed
rabbits head, with its ears erect
and alert. The rabbit is fitted with a
pair of glass eyes and what appears
to be the collar of a gentleman’s
shirt. The grip is joined to the shaft
with a silver band engraved with
floral motifs and “A.L.K./1902”. At
the time of writing, the identity
of the initials are unknown. It is
interesting to note that 1902 was
the same year that the immensely
popular literary work “The Tale of
Peter Rabbit” by Beatrix Potter was released, and may have had some influence on the subject matter of this cane. The shaft is smooth ebony and is tipped with a brass ferrule. It measures 39 1/4 inches overall from the tip of the ferrule to the top of the ears.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, the grip showing an attractive lightly aged tone with a few scattered hairline cracks typical of its age, attractive antique patina on the silver, and some scattered light handling marks on the shaft that retains most of the finish. A very attractive, masterfully carved cane!
Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000
LOT 253
Unique French Gilt Handled Cane -
Decorative canes have long been used as a symbol of wealth and social status, reaching the peak of their popularity as an accessory of the well-to-do in the 18th and 19th centuries. This piece is a fantastic example of that, being constructed from materials that were both desirable and valuable then as well as now. The girl knob grip shows spiraling flutes and a band of floral motifs near the bottom, as well as a miniscule French eagle head hallmark and a miniscule maker’s mark that may be that
of Henri Lustig, the initials “HL” on either side of a mermaid. The grip is fitted to an antique ivory shaft that has been expertly carved with knobs/thorns to imitate some of the popular woods of the time and is tipped with silver and iron. It measures 39 1/4 inches overall. CONDITION: Very fine overall, the grip showing most of the bright gilt finish, attractively
aged patina on the silver, and a few scattered hairline age cracks in the shaft, but otherwise minimal handling evidence. A unique cane that projects power and wealth!
Estimate: 2,750 - 4,250
LOT 252
Attractive Relief Carved Tiger Cane with Pearl Eyes - 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 example would
have been a fantastic addition to a worldly gentleman’s wardrobe, possibly that of a British officer or gentleman who had spent time
in India. The grip has been masterfully relief carved in the form of a snarling tiger’s head, fangs bared, and fitted with translucent pearl eyes. The grip is joined to the shaft with a brass band decorated with floral motifs, creating the appearance of a collar on the tiger. The shaft is smooth rosewood and tipped with German silver and iron. It measures 35 1/4 inches overall.
CONDITION: Fine, the grip showing an attractive slightly aged tone and minimal handling evidence. The shaft is also very fine with some scattered light handling marks and attractive grain.
Estimate: 1,600 - 2,500
205