17. Silver Defense Cane
Ca. 1860 Silver ball knob adorned with intricate repeating patterns in the elegant Baroque style and personalized with the flowery engraved initials of the first cane owner on its top. The shape of the two tiny, obscured hallmarks on the collar indicates a possible French origin. The knob is mounted on a full-bark malacca shaft and a white- metal ferrule with a steel heel. The cane breaks into two parts, 6 ¼" down from the top, through a concealed, still perfectly operating quarter-turn locking device, re- vealing an almost 16” tall diamond-shaped steel blade with a beautiful linear tapering profile. Made of stiff, high-quality steel, it stands out for its extensive, intricate, and decorative etching. This cane's unassuming appearance conceals its potential as a de- fensive weapon. if a sword cane has to be worn at all, it ought to be an efficient one, and this one is! The wear and tear it has experienced over time is evident on every part, giving it a unique and treasured character that collectors value. Sword canes and the like were always a popular fashion accessory for the wealthy and upper-class men who were routinely trained in swordsmanship and desired to be armed for self-defense. Consid- ering the rise in popularity of cane fighting as a means of resolving disputes among men during the 19th century, it's no surprise that these gadget canes gained significant traction. H. 1 ¾” x 1 ½”, O.L. 35”
$600-$800
In the 18th and 19th centuries, engraving accessories with initials was a mark of identity, status, and refinement. Such personalization distinguished valuable belongings, deterred loss or theft, and echoed aristocratic traditions, where objects bore family crests or coats of arms. As society became more bourgeois, initials allowed the middle class to evoke a sense of lineage and prestige similar to that of the upper class. Gifts bearing personal initials carried added meaning and often became treasured heirlooms, passed down through generations. Engraved with beautifully flowing initials, this cane becomes an inti- mate work of art in its own right.
38 - Continental Cane Collection Auction
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