33. Hard Stone Dress Cane
Ca. 1900 The graceful knob is crafted from deep black onyx with a well- proportioned, elongated Milord shape, decorated with two inset, faceted rock crystal washers. The overlapping washers are grooved and end with soft prongs and are set disproportionately to the length to provide a better grip on the smooth, slippery surface of the handle. Their contrasting colors and reflecting nature add life and create a remarkable, striking sparkle. The handle comes with a high-end makassar ebony shaft and a long horn ferrule. A characteristic sense of luxury shines through this ex- quisite walking stick, which perfectly encapsulates the Austrian Imperial ethos, where quality craftsmanship meets durability. Despite a fragile nature, it survived flawlessly. H. 3 ¾” x 1”, O.L. 39 ½”
$500-$700
Onyx, whose name derives from the Greek word for “claw” or “nail”, is a variety of chalcedony, a mixture of quartz and morgan- ite. Onyx is often hexagonal in its microcrystalline state. Its luster is quite waxy with a hardness level of 7. In addition to being waxy, it offers a unique level of opacity. It has been used since ancient times. Many cultures believe that it can absorb your negative energy, and in fact, the more negative energy it absorbs, the darker the colors become. Some say Cleopatra wore onyx jewelry in Ancient Egypt to protect her and alert her to oncoming dangers. It’s much more opaque and less lustrous and sparkly than a black diamond, exhibiting more of a gloss than a shine.
70 - Continental Cane Collection Auction
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