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LOT 3166
Attractive Relief Carved Tiger’s Eye Quartz Frog Cane - During the 19th and 20th centuries, canes became incredibly popular
as a status symbol, especially among upper class gentlemen in Western Europe and North America. This specific cane would likely have been a product of the height of the British Empire, as the grip is carved from beautiful tiger’s eye quartz, a rare gemstone whose two most notable deposits were found in Myanmar and South Africa, both of which were British colonies in the 19th century. The grip has
been beautifully relief carved in the form of a large frog. Tiger’s eye was worn by warriors for protection in ancient times, as it was believed to give its wearer courage. This piece is further unique as it is a figural carving, where most tiger’s eye is presented as much less exciting, plain, simple spheres. There is a small silver band where the grip meets the shaft that appears to be rosewood and is tipped with light colored horn.
CONDITION: Very fine, the grip showing a few scattered minor imperfections in the stone and otherwise minimal handling evidence. The shaft is excellent with only the slightest handling evidence overall.
Estimate: 2,500 - 3,500
LOT 3167
Rare Relief Carved Elephant Head
Handle Walking Stick with Sterling Silver Accents - Walking sticks were very popular accessories for upper class men up through the Victorian era and were often a symbol of social status as well as potentially a defensive weapon. The only visible marking on this
fine example is “STERLING” on the collar. The antique ivory handle is carved in the shape of an elephant’s head with inset eyes and silver tusks. The overall length is just under 35 inches. The shaft is wood. The tip is brass. CONDITION: Fine with nice detailing on the carved handle which has a mix of brown, dark brown, and cream tones as well as a filled spot on the back and some thin age cracks; attractive grain and mild dings and scratches on the shaft, aged patina and some minor dents on the silver, and dark aged patina on the tip.
Estimate: 1,400 - 2,250
LOT 3168
Attractive Stag Antler Cane with Exceptional Relief Carved Dog Figure Handle - Beginning in approximately the 16th century, canes gradually became
more popular among the upper echelons
of society, reaching its pinnacle around
the late-19th to early-20th centuries. They became far more than just an accessory to assist with mobility, and more of a symbol
of ones status and wealth. The stag antler grip of this cane has been impressively carved in the form of what was likely the original owner’s canine companion, in this case, what appears to be a lounging Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, or similar breed. There is an ornate brass band with blank initial escutcheon where the L-shaped handle joins the ebonized shaft which is tipped with German silver and iron. It measures 38 inches overall.
CONDITION: Very fine, the grip showing an attractively aged color overall with minimal handling evidence, the brass mostly bright with a slightly aged patina, and the shaft showing some mild wear and scattered light handling marks, retaining about half of the varnish.
Estimate: 1,500 - 2,500
LOT 3169
Very Attractive Relief Carved Antique Ivory Tiger Head Cane - Canes began coming into fashion as a status symbol and primarily gentleman’s accessory beginning in the 16th century. By the 19th and 20th centuries, the cane had reached the peak of its popularity in western Europe and America, almost to the point where upper class men wouldn’t leave the house without them. This example would have been very fitting for a 19th century British military officer or gentleman who had spent time in India. The antique ivory grip has been masterfully relief carved in the form of a snarling tiger’s head, with black enamel applied for its stripes and fitted with red glass eyes. The smooth shaft appears to be Malacca and is tipped with bone. It measures 36 inches overall. CONDITION: Fine, the grip showing some attractively aged color, some hairline
age cracks scattered throughout, and retaining most of the enamel detailing. The shaft is very good with some light crazing and some scattered light flakes/ handling marks.
Estimate: 1,000 - 1,500
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