11. Siam Horn Sword Cane
Ca. 1880 Classic L-shaped Siam horn handle mounted on a malacca shaft, complemented by a gilt collar and a brass ferrule. The large, well-balanced handle detaches smoothly from the shaft via a hidden push button, subtly concealed within the collar. This mechanism releases a 27½” diamond-shaped blade with a straight taper and plain surface. Light, highly flexi- ble, and rarely seen in this length, the blade features elaborate bluing and gilding mirrored on both sides with slight variations. Notably, it has survived in near-mint condition, seldom drawn and carefully preserved. The cane’s discreet, non-threatening design makes it ideal for those who value subtlety. Its subdued appearance and lack of overt aggression suit individuals seeking discretion. Based on the blade style, collar, and locking mechanism, the cane is believed to be French, most likely produced by the Manufacture Française d’Armes et Cycles de Saint-Étienne (MAS). This state-owned company, located in Saint-Étienne, later became part of the Nexter defense conglomerate. Saint-Étienne has been renowned for sword and knife production since the Mid- dle Ages. In 1665, a Royal Arms Depot was established in Paris to store military weapons manufactured there. At the close of the 19th century, the remaining arms manufacturers in Saint-Étienne united to form the Manufacture Française d’Armes et Cycles de Saint-Étienne. They successfully developed a direct-to-consumer retail model, offering an extensive catalog with hundreds of illustrated pages featuring a broad range of goods, including a comprehensive selection of canes. At left is an illustration from the 1905 catalog, showing one of the pages dedi-
cated solely to canes. 4” x 3 ½”, O.L. 34 ½”
$900-$1,200
Buffalo Horns are permanent, pointed projections on the head that consist of a covering of keratin and other proteins surrounding a core of live bone. Horns are distinct from antlers, which are not permanent. The horns start to grow up and out and are fully formed when the buffalo reaches the age of 5 or 6 years. Breeding, genetics, and environment influence color variations, with black being the most common and marbled tones showing rich hues as the most desirable. Siam horn refers to a fine-grained, translucent horn with greenish tints, considered the ultimate quality of all horns, originating from that part of the world. In the Western world, domestic cattle have undergone selective breeding to eliminate horn growth. This practice aims to prevent cattle from injuring each other and causing damage to the final product, such as hide or meat.
Continental Cane Collection Auction - 27
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