63. Silver Erotic Stanhope Dress Cane
Ca 1890 This elegant L-shaped silver handle features a flowing, minimalist design, accentuated by a finely hammered surface and an integral, slender raised ring collar. The collar, struck with rubbed and obscured hallmarks, transitions seamlessly into a shaved, richly colored laurel shaft of beautiful figure, terminating in a matching white metal ferrule. While refined in appearance, this cane conceals an unexpected and intriguing secret: an erotic Stanhope discreetly embedded in a peephole at the top of the shaft. Viewed through its tiny lens, the micro- photograph reveals two nude women astride what appears to be a bull. A playful and daring image that adds significant crossover appeal, drawing interest from collectors of both canes and erotic curiosities alike. Experts unanimously attribute the piece to France, suggesting it was likely commissioned during the Belle Époque by an eccentric gentleman for his private amusement. Its tasteful, understated exterior would have allowed him to carry it on any occasion, yet at the right moment, reveal its secret and instantly become the center of conversation. The motif is probably a picture of one of those Risqué Shows of the French Capital, which were the furor of their days. Folies Bergères and Le Moulin Rouge are at the head of a long row of such establishments. The cane’s subtle, unassuming profile amplifies the element of surprise upon discovery, making the reve- lation all the more striking. Particularly noteworthy is the remarkable preservation of the photographic scene. Its clarity and condition are nearly miraculous, given how many comparable examples have succumbed to humidity, dirt, or fading over time. More than an object of curiosity, this piece is a delightful fusion of elegance, mystery, and playful sophistication. An enduring testament to the imagination and artistry of a bygone age, where even the most discreet accessory could conceal a world of wonder. Today, hunting for erotic Stanhopes is addictive precisely because most of these lenses were designed to elude discovery. One final note: photographing Stanhopes is a challenging task. The tiny lens's 160 magnifying factor needs cutting-edge technology to achieve faultless results. Despite numerous attempts and considerable effort, we were unable to capture the photographs satisfactorily. In truth, when viewed with the naked eye, the image appears fairly sharp, only with minor flaws in the higher margins. H. 3 ¾” x 2 ¼”, O.L. 36”
$1,000-$1,500
The Stanhope, named after English scientist Lord Stanhope (1753-1816), was an optical innovation hidden in nineteenth-century jewelry, ornaments, and sometimes canes. It was made of a slender glass rod, less than one-eighth of an inch in diameter, with one end rounded to form a lens and a tiny round collodion positive photograph glued to the other end. A small hole was drilled into the jewelry, the Stanhope was inserted, and a magnified view of the photograph could then be seen by looking through the lens. In fact, the Stanhope is considered the beginning of micro-photography or today’s microfilm. In 1867, a French patent was granted to Antoine Rochard for objects equipped with Stanhopes.
130 - Continental Cane Collection Auction
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker