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LOT 1157
Unique Relief Carved Antique
Ivory “Four Continents” 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 late 19th century example would have been a fantastic addition to a worldly European gentleman’s wardrobe. The knob-shaped grip is comprised of four masterfully relief carved portraits of the prevalent races of the four most prominent continents of the Age of Discovery: Asia, Africa, American, and Europe itself. These four faces
form four facets of the handle, each separated by carvings
of varying foliage native to these four continents including bamboo, palm, and hardwoods. The carved branches continue down past the portraits into a relief carved antique ivory collar until they become the same fluted texture as the rosewood shaft itself - an artful and highly unusual flourish merging
the handle seamlessly with the shaft. The shaft, tipped with antique ivory. An exceptional historic piece, capturing the era of colonial Europe and honoring the indigenous cultures they encountered in the Age of Discovery.
CONDITION: Very fine, the grip showing an attractively aged appearance with some light wear and few scattered hairline age cracks. The shaft is also very fine with some scattered minor dings and scratches.
LOT 1158
Ornate Relief Carved Antique Ivory Snarling Cougar Head Cane - Starting in the 16th century, canes and walking sticks became extremely popular, first among royalty and nobility, and by the 19th and 20th centuries having worked their way down to the middle classes as a symbol of status. Canes were particularly popular among gentlemen in San Francisco during the Gold Rush period, with
this example presenting strong association to the High Sierra Mountains, native habitat of
the cougar. The grip is beautifully relief carved in the shape of a snarling cougar’s head and fitted with yellow glass eyes. Black coloring accents the inside of the mouth and nose. There is a contrasting ebony band where the grip meets the shaft, which appears to be of smooth Malacca and is tipped with brass. It measures 37 inches overall.
CONDITION: Very fine, the grip showing an attractively aged tone, a few scattered hairline age cracks, and one of the lower canine teeth absent. The shaft is also very fine with some scattered light handling evidence.
Estimate: 1,200 - 1,700
LOT 1159
Detailed Relief Carved Antique Ivory Tiger Head Cane - 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. They were incredibly popular among gentlemen during
the height of the British empire, and this example would have been very fitting in the hand of a worldly gentleman or military officer who had spent time in India, given its theme. The grip is a detailed relief carved tiger head that appears to be wearing a frightened or startled expression and is fitted with glass eyes. Striped accented have been painted with black enamel. The grip is joined to the shaft with a small brass wedding band and the shaft appears to be smooth ash tipped with light colored horn.
CONDITION: Very fine, the grip showing an attractively aged patina and retaining much of the black enamel striping with minimal wear. The shaft is also very fine with only the slightest wear and handling marks. Estimate: 1,000 - 1,500
150 Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500