Page 171 - 88-BOOK3

LOT 3246
Attractive Relief Carved Mythological Goddess/Dolphin 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. This example appears to pull from one of the more popular themes of the period, Greek and Roman mythology. Though it is unclear exactly what aspect of mythology specifically this cane draws upon, it appears heavily influenced by classical mythology and may represent Amphitrite, goddess of the
sea and wife of Poseidon, who was heavily associated with dolphins. The L-shaped grip has been expertly carved in the form of a woman’s face inside the mouth of a heraldic dolphin, the mouth and head of the dolphin forming a helm of sorts for the woman. The grip is joined to the shaft by a smooth brass band. The shaft appears to be walnut and is tipped with brass. It measures 35 inches overall.
CONDITION: Very fine, the grip showing an attractive lightly aged tone and a few scattered hairline age cracks with otherwise minimal handling evidence. The brass components show an attractively aged patina. The shaft is also very fine with some scattered light handling marks.
Estimate: 1,600 - 2,500
LOT 3247
Attractive Wyvern and
Floral Motif Toledo Style
Gold Damascened 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 example would have
been a fantastic addition to a
worldly gentleman’s wardrobe,
showing somewhat exotic
styling by Western European
or American standards. The
handle is a blued steel fluted
hook shaped which has been
attractively engraved and gold
inlaid in the Damascene style
popularized in Toledo, Spain at
the time. The gold inlay shows
a variety of floral motifs, a wyvern, and various border patterns. The ebonized hardwood shaft is tipped with a brass ferrule. It measures 36 inches overall.
CONDITION: Very fine, the grip retaining most of the blue and gold finishes with some light wear. The shaft is excellent with minimal handling marks. A very attractive accessory for a worldly gentleman!
Estimate: 1,400 - 2,250
LOT 3248
Attractive Cane with Kingfisher Themed Silver Band - Various types of canes and walking sticks saw popularity for centuries in many different cultures around the world, both as a symbol of status and as a mobility tool. This piece appears
to be a combination of those two things, having a very functional grip, as well as details that indicate the sophistication of its owner. The L-shaped handle on this example is of smooth antique ivory, making for a functional grip. It is joined for to the shaft with a silver band that is cast with a nature scene featuring two kingfisher birds. The ebonized shaft is smooth and tipped with a later replacement rubber pad. It measures 36 inches overall (including the rubber pad).
CONDITION: Fine, the grip showing an attractive lightly aged tone and a few scattered hairline age cracks. The silver band shows an attractively aged patina. The shaft is very good with some scattered light flaking of the ebonized finish and some light handling marks.
Estimate: 1,400 - 2,250
169