51. Silver Swan’s Head Cane
Ca. 1890 Large silver handle, naturalistically modeled, heavy cast, and hand chased and engraved to depict a swan’s head, an ebony shaft, and a white metal ferrule.
Rendered with the entire grace of the aquatic bird, the head shows a mighty broad beak with apparent nostrils followed by the char- acterizing knob at its base, a pair of round
eyes, and, in particular, a long neck with magnificent plumage end- ing in an integral, plain, and tapering collar with engraved large “F.P.” initials. Deep black ebony shaft and a white metal ferrule. Notably, there is an intentional slight curve to the head for an ergonomic, correct fit to the wearer’s hand. This cane has great appeal and is visually striking. It has notably stood the test of time and represents a period when a true gentleman would only wear custom accessories. It's perfect for use or to add to a displayed collection. H. 3 ¾” x 4 ¼”, O.L. 36 ¼”
$1,000 - $1,500
IIn Greek mythology, Zeus took the form of a swan to seduce Leda. The most graceful of birds is also associated with Venus, or Aphrodite. Her chariot is sometimes carried through the air by swans. To see swans gliding in
a small pond, predict great wealth through your diligent efforts. In London, the animals living on the Thames still belong to the monarchy and are marked on the beak annually at a ceremony called the Upping of the Swans. The swan’s guard enjoys an honorary position and is traditionally the holder of a cane with a swan’s head. The swan had a great revival in 19th-century European arts, culminating in King Ludwig II and his Neuschwanstein Castle. The so-called “Swan King” is also said to have inspired the story behind the classical ballet Swan Lake by Russian composer Pjotr Iljitsch Tchaikovsky. This could be traced to his childhood, when he spent much of his youth in a castle named Hohenschwangau (“high region of the swan”) in the Bavarian Alps. Ludwig grew up there among swan images and icons and the nearby Schwansee (“Swan Lake”).
Continental Cane Collection Auction - 107
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