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LOT 254
Desirable Oscar Onken Co. Oak and Glass Cane Display Case - This cabinet was manufactured
by the Oscar Onken Co. of Cincinnati,
Ohio with a small maker’s label on the lower edge of the lifting door. There is an Oscar Onken Co. label on the front horizontal beam of the cabinet. Almost the entire case is made up of large glass panels to view the canes, umbrellas, or walking sticks within, apart from
the back which is hardwood. There is
an angled flat top door fitted with
brass hinges to allow access to the contents within. There are slots to display 49 canes
on six tiers for better display. It stands 47 1/2 inches tall at the back, is 19 1/4 inches deep, and 19 3/4 inches wide. (Display case only). CONDITION: Very good overall, retaining all of
the glass and the wood generally showing some light wear and scattered light handling/ storage marks. The manufacturer label shows some small pieces absent and some mild fading. A very desirable piece for displaying a fine collection of canes! Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 255
Unique Masterfully Relief Carved “Humiliation of Napoleon” Cane - Many canes from the early to mid 19th century are seen which celebrate the military prowess or political ambition of Napoleon Bonaparte. There are also many examples seen which were simply intended to convey ones loyalty to him, both as emperor and in exile. This cane differs however, in that it portrays him in a negative light, clearly having been made for someone whose feelings towards the emperor were quite clearly not of reverence. The grip has been masterfully carved in the form of a comic representation of Napoleon, portraying him as small, rotund, and depressed. It also portrays “the little corporal” with his hand clutching his backside, which may be a reference to his battle with chronic hemorrhoids. He is
fitted with a comically large bicorne hat that has a Russian soldier sitting on one tip and a Prussian on the other, that hat being fitted on small axles so it can tip back and forth like a teeter-totter. On either side of his head is inscribed “Moskau” and “Leipzig”, two of his more embarrassing endeavors, the winter retreat from Moscow, and his defeat at the Battle
of Leipzig. The grip is joined to the shaft by a silvered band that is inscribed with a large script “D” and is dated “1872”, an indication that the original owner’s disdain for Napoleon ran deep, his death occurring over 50 years earlier. The shaft is of smooth Malacca and is tipped with silver.
CONDITION: Very good, the grip showing a minor repair on the rear of the hat, some scattered light handling marks, and an attractively aged appearance overall. The silver shows an attractively aged patina. The shaft is fine with some light handling marks scattered throughout. A unique cane that would be an interesting addition to any antique European military collection!
Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000