75. Silver Turf Cane
Ca. 1890 Silver cap, modeled, cast, and finely hand-chased with two racing horse heads, encircled by a broad laurel collar. The modeling is exceptional, capturing the horses in full stride, necks extended, ears pinned back, and mouths open in exertion, as though caught at the very instant of crossing the finish line. Mounted on an ebony shaft and fitted with a horn ferrule. A discreet hallmark suggests Viennese origin, recalling the elegant spirit of the late Imperial era, when equestrian culture occupied a central place in society. In those years, the horse was not merely a means of transport or sport but a potent emblem of vitality, prestige, and mastery, an image inseparable from notions of grace and command. To own a cane adorned with such a motif was to affirm one’s refinement and participation in that cultivated world.
Capturing the full beauty of this handle in a photograph was impossible. Its three-dimen- sional, rounded shape allows the eye to appreciate its detailed modeling, delicate pro- portions, and subtle nuances of expression. However, a camera can capture only a small part of its surface at a time. The way light plays across the curved surfaces, the tactile sense of depth, and the vital energy of the design resist being fully conveyed in a static image. Photos suggest its brilliance, but the piece’s authentic charm and presence can only be truly experienced in person..
$600 -$700
Throughout history, the horse has stood as one of humanity’s most enduring symbols, celebrated in myth, art, and ceremony as a creature of power, loyalty, and beauty. From the chariots of antiquity to the racetracks of modern Europe, it has embodied both the freedom of movement and the discipline of control. This cane, with its spirited modeling and elegant form, pays eloquent tribute to that noble legacy.
154 - Continental Cane Collection Auction
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