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LOT 1251
Impressive Relief Carved Horse Head Racing Cane with Engraved Silver Band - , N/A. 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 unique piece is a prime example of that with the grip expertly relief carved in the form of an exceptionally detailed horse’s head, which may have been meant to represent an owner’s prized racehorse. The horse has yellow and black glass eyes and has an intricately carved bridle. The grip is joined to the shaft with a floral engraved silver band with Hall & Fitzgerald, Birmingham hallmarks. The shaft appears to be of ebony and is tipped with iron and brass. It measures 36 1/4 inches overall. CONDITION: Fine, the grip showing an attractively aged tone with a few scattered hairline age cracks, attractively aged patina
on the silver, and a minor visible repair/patch of filler on the shaft, with otherwise minimal handling evidence.
Estimate: 1,800 - 2,750
LOT 1252
Attractive Relief Carved Clenched Fist Cane with Inscribed Escutcheon - , N/A. Though they trace their roots further back in history, canes reached their peak popularity in the 19th and 20th centuries, becoming more than just a mobility tool, but rather
a physical symbol of social and economic status. The grip of this example is of antique ivory and has been expertly relief carved in the shape of an arm with a ruffled cuff and a clenched fist, a symbol long associated with solidarity, unity, strength, and resistance. The grip is joined to the shaft with a plain silver band, below which is a brass escutcheon inscribed “PETER, LAVIGNE” on the shaft
of lightly knobbed hardwood. The shaft is tipped with iron and a spike that likely was once the tang for a larger ferrule. CONDITION: Fine, the grip showing an attractively aged tone with a few scattered very fine hairline age cracks. The silver and brass show an attractively aged patina. The shaft is also fine with some scattered light flaking and some scattered hairline age cracks, and some moderate chipping near the bottom. The iron shows mostly a smooth grey patina.
Estimate: 1,600 - 2,500
LOT 1253
Attractive Relief Carved Antique Ivory Jockey 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 timeline coincides very closely with the popularity arc of horse racing, especially in the United States, making crossover pieces such
as this example unsurprising. The knob shaped grip of this cane has been expertly carved in the form of a man’s head wearing a multi-faceted jockey’s helmet. The grip is joined to the shaft with a thin silvered band. The shaft appears to be of smooth fruitwood and is tipped with antique ivory. CONDITION: Fine, the grip showing
an attractively ages tone with some scattered hairline age cracks. The shaft and tip are very fine with only the slightest handling marks.
Estimate: 1,300 - 1,900
LOT 1254
Retailer Style Glass Cane Display Case
- This cabinet appears to be made of oak and similar examples have been seen made by Excelsior Showcase Works of Quincy, Illinois and H. Pauk & Sons Mfg. Co. of St. Louis. There are no visible maker’s marks
on this example.
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. The entire domed plexiglass top lifts on hinges via a brass handle on the front. There are slots to display 70 canes on three tiers for better display, with the upper tray holder a plexiglass replacement. It stands 48 inches tall at the back, is 24 1/4 inches deep, and 24 1/4 inches wide. (Display case only).
CONDITION: Very fine overall, showing some light handling/storage evidence. An excellent way to display various items including antique canes!
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500