Canes

From around 1550 to 1930, canes were a dressing accessory without which a lady or gentleman, properly dressed, would never leave the house. However their use went out of fashion after this, leaving the market to collectors.

For a collector, the main interest lies in the handle, which could be made of wood, bamboo, ebony, ivory, tusk, animal horn, or bone. Sometimes they were made out of porcelain, Bakelite, gold, silver, or glass; enameled or cloisonnéd; or sprinkled with precious gemstones. The height of good taste was a gold handle with minmal decoration, as silver handles were despised by more...

A walking stick was an integral part of every well dressed man's wardrobe in the nineteenth century, and his collection of walking-sticks were probably kept just inside the hall in a stand, sharing space with umbrellas.

Walking-sticks and canes derive from the cudgels and staves carried for defence, evolving into dress accessories topped with silver or ivory, with a ferrule at the point to cut down wear. Many had elaborately carved heads. Sometimes these unscrewed to reveal space for a snuff box or other article. About 200 ancillary accessories are known to have been incorporated into walking more...

4 items found:

These items have been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.

A knobkerrie style walking stick of slender form with ball…

Slender Knobkerrie Walking Stick with Ball Handle

A knobkerrie style walking stick of slender form with ball handle. Length 89.5 cm

A knobkerrie style walking stick of slender form with ball…

Slender Ball Handle Walking Stick

A knobkerrie style walking stick of slender form with ball handle. Length 89 cm

A knobkerrie style walking stick of slender form, etched shaft…

Etched Ball Handle Walking Stick

A knobkerrie style walking stick of slender form, etched shaft and ball handle. Length 84.5 cm

A superb late 19th century African rhinoceros horn walking…

Late 19th Century African Rhino Horn Walking Stick

A superb late 19th century African rhinoceros horn walking stick of knobkerrie form. The long tapered shaft of rich honey brown patina and brass ferrule. Weight 328g. The horn comes with a witnessed affidavit stating the family provenance of the horn.…