40. Bu7alo Horn Sword Cane
Ca. 1890 The substantial buffalo horn handle, hewn from a single piece, exhibits an appealing mottled palette of dark to light browns, accented with greenish undertones typical of Siamese origin (modern-day Thailand). Shaped in a classic crook form, the handle features a knobby neck that affords a secure, non-slip grip, well-matched to the scarred medlar shaft, once marketed under the trade name “Congo Wood.” The overall composition is elevated by a finely chased silver collar and a matched metal ferrule. The handle disengages via a discreet, precisely engineered push-button mechanism embedded in the shaft. Once activated, a clean axial pull reveals a slender, tapering cruciform blade forged from extra-hard “Lebel”-type steel, culminating in a sharply persuasive point. Measuring 19½ inches, the blade straddles the line between a tall dagger and a short sword, an ideal length for both concealment and reach. Often overlooked within the broader category of edged weapons, sword-and-dagger canes of this caliber occupied a unique place in 19th-century society. Favored by the upper classes, many of whom were formally trained in fencing, these covert arms were not merely fashion statements but functional tools of self-defense. As cane-fighting gained cultural traction as a gentlemanly method of settling disputes, the demand for such “gadget” canes surged. Their enduring allure lies in the juxtaposition of the ordinary and the lethal, an everyday object concealing a redoubtable weapon. As previously emphasized, the operative phrase remains: Hidden in Plain Sight. For the serious collector, a thorough understanding of the construction and terminology of sword canes is essential. Such knowledge not only enhances connoisseurship but also deepens one's appreciation for the nuanced craftsmanship and social context that define these remarkable pieces. Based on the blade style, collar, and locking mechanism, the cane is believed to be French, 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. 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 right is an illustration from the 1900 catalog, showing one of the pages dedicated solely to canes with comparable canes. H. 4 ½” x 3”, O.L. 35”
$800-$1,200
Continental Cane Collection Auction - 85
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